SAHA Istanbul General Secretary Muttalip Tütüncü emphasized the necessity for Turkish defense and aerospace sector to access international markets, noting that the organization, which began with 27 companies in 2015, has transformed into Europe's largest defense and aerospace cluster with over 1,400 members today. With more than 80 percent of members being SMEs, SAHA Istanbul has adopted both domestic ecosystem strengthening and integration into international supply chains as core missions.

Tütüncü noted that defense exports have exceeded the 10 billion dollar threshold, emphasizing that all five Turkish companies in this year's Defense News ranking are members of SAHA Istanbul's Board of Directors. The organization provides sectoral training under the SAHA Academy umbrella, operates MBA programs with TÜBİTAK TÜSSİDE and Middle East Technical University. Tütüncü stated that the increase in membership is a result of organic growth, reflecting sector dynamics rather than planned expansion. He underscored that the organization's growth follows the ecosystem's internal momentum, with member recruitment driven by sector demand rather than active acquisition campaigns.

Tütüncü stated that geopolitical developments have made defense industry critical, noting that the Russia-Ukraine War, uncertainties in the United States, and regional tensions mean defense capacity is no longer optional. He highlighted that Turkish companies, previously subject to embargoes, now attract international attention. ASELSAN's rapid development of ASELFLIR-500 and ASELFLIR-600 cameras exemplifies this shift. Tütüncü noted that Canada sends technical and ministerial delegations to Turkey almost monthly, with strategic cooperation negotiations in defense industry underway.

Identifying high-technology, cost-effective, and rapidly consumable products as the target area for SMEs, Tütüncü stated that large platforms remain the domain of prime contractors. He emphasized that SMEs must transition from subcontractor status to exporter identity to meet the cost-effective solutions demanded by the global defense market. Noting that approximately 60-65 percent of drones sold worldwide are exported from Turkey, Tütüncü warned that focusing solely on current products carries risk in the artificial intelligence era, as technological advancement pace could leave Turkey behind.

Recalling that localization rates in defense industry have exceeded 80 percent, Tütüncü stated that dependence on foreign supply for certain critical technologies continues, requiring ongoing localization efforts. He noted that the International Astronautics Federation's 77th International Space Congress will be held in Antalya from October 5-9, with propulsion systems, navigation systems, radars, and imaging equipment developed in defense industry set to advance Turkey's space capabilities. Through the National Space and Aerospace Committee within SAHA Istanbul, the goal is to integrate SMEs into the space sector while maintaining economic viability.