Turkey's largest defense and aerospace exhibition SAHA 2026 is expected to see $8 billion in defense contracts signed. The Defense Industries Presidency announced this figure represents a $1.8 billion increase from the previous edition.

Turkey introduced its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) named "Yıldırımhan" at the SAHA 2026 defense expo on May 5, 2026. The system features a range of 6,000 kilometers and speeds between Mach 9 and Mach 25, developed by the National Defense Ministry's R&D Center.

Turkish defense companies signed approximately $8 billion in export contracts during the first three days of the SAHA 2026 fair in Istanbul. This record exceeded expectations set for the entire duration of the event.

Baykar, the Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturer, signed a strategic partnership agreement with Italian firm Gruppo Esea at the SAHA 2026 fair. The agreement will establish a fully automated robotic production line to significantly increase manufacturing capacity.

Turkish weapons manufacturer Sarsılmaz and Spain-based EM&E Group signed a strategic cooperation agreement at the SAHA 2026 defense fair in Istanbul. The agreement targets the integration of machine guns and 25-30 mm cannon systems with remote-controlled weapon platforms.

Baykar's Mizrak system, featuring over 1000 kilometers range and AI-enabled autonomous capabilities, will be showcased for the first time at SAHA 2026. The platform is designed with deep strike capability, high lethality, and flexible mission profiles.

At the SAHA 2026 fair, President Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey's defense industry has become a trusted and preferred ecosystem on both regional and global scales. Export figures exceeding $10 billion in 2025 demonstrate the sector's transformation.

At the SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aviation and Space Industry Fair in Istanbul, HAVELSAN presented its newly developed unmanned ground vehicle BARKAN 3 for the first time. The vehicle, featuring 250 kilograms of payload capacity, stands out with its autonomous capabilities and integrated UAV management system.