The SAHA EXPO Defense, Aerospace, and Space Industry Exhibition, which began on October 25, 2022, at the Istanbul Expo Center, initially drew strong attention from defense industry professionals. After the first three days, the exhibition was opened to the public, providing a broader audience with the opportunity to witness Türkiye’s advancements in indigenous defense and space technologies. Despite international embargoes, the exhibition highlighted how Türkiye continues to strengthen its capabilities in these strategic sectors.

The exhibition featured a wide range of innovations, including unmanned aerial and ground vehicles, advanced electronic systems, and next-generation engineering solutions. Among the highlights were the KAPGAN unmanned ground vehicle and the AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), which drew considerable interest from both professionals and visitors. These systems exemplified the significant progress Türkiye has achieved in modern warfare capabilities.

Beyond showcasing technology, the event also created opportunities for young people interested in the defense industry. University student Melike Öztürk noted that the exhibition provided her with career insights and knowledge, while mechanical engineering student Cenk Gündoğdu shared his excitement about attending the event with his family and directly engaging with Türkiye’s defense companies.

As a platform, SAHA EXPO served not only as a showcase of Türkiye’s defense and space potential but also as a symbol of the nation’s growing independence in these fields. By opening its doors to both professionals and the public, the exhibition underscored the pivotal role of indigenous and national technologies in shaping the future.