Turkey’s defense industry is preparing to present its most advanced technologies and innovative solutions at SAHA EXPO 2018, organized by SAHA Istanbul. The exhibition, held at the Istanbul World Trade Center between September 13-15, brings together key players from the defense, aviation, maritime and information technologies sectors. It serves as a major platform where domestic companies will introduce new systems and products to professionals from both Turkey and abroad, strengthening international collaboration and showcasing local technological capabilities.

A major highlight of the exhibition is ASELSAN’s extensive localization and nationalization initiative. In line with its mission to reduce foreign dependency, ASELSAN will share with suppliers its long-prepared plans to localize more than 170 imported components and subsystems currently used in its products. During the event, ASELSAN will distribute technical brochures of these items to interested domestic suppliers, laying the foundation for new industrial partnerships. After the exhibition, suppliers will also be able to access the product list through ASELSAN’s procurement portal.

Another standout innovation at SAHA EXPO 2018 is the introduction of fire-resistant aerogel, a highly advanced material produced by only a handful of companies worldwide. Yalteksan, now one of the few global producers, will showcase this cutting-edge material for the first time. Originally developed by NASA, aerogel is known as one of the world’s lightest solid substances—composed of 99.8% air—and can withstand temperatures up to 1,300°C. With its unique nano-porous structure, non-flammability, and exceptional thermal insulation properties, aerogel offers significant advantages for defense, aviation, space, land, sea and air platforms as well as technical textiles. Yalteksan will provide the material under the Lavron brand in various formats suitable for different industrial applications.

SAHA EXPO 2018 is also designed as a global business hub. Within the framework of the International Competitiveness Development Project (Ur-Ge), the fair will host numerous B2B meetings between Turkish companies and major defense and aerospace firms from around the world. Representatives from 12 countries—including Ukraine, Bangladesh, Libya, Jordan, Sudan, Malaysia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, India, Italy and Indonesia—are expected to participate. More than 500 online B2B meetings have already been scheduled, offering Turkish companies a chance to showcase their capabilities to foreign procurement delegations, military officials and industry leaders.

Digital solutions will also enrich the visitor experience. Through the Taptoweb application, participants will be able to exchange catalogues and contact information digitally, while promotional videos can be viewed directly from electronic devices at exhibition stands. This innovative digital infrastructure positions SAHA EXPO as a modern and interactive event.

A series of inspiring panels will take place during the fair, offering visitors strategic insights into the future of defense and aerospace technologies. The “Technological Transformation” panel will explore future technologies and leadership strategies in defense, aviation and space industries. The “How They Succeeded” panel will feature SAHA Istanbul member companies sharing their success stories, while the “Producing the Unproduced” panel will discuss how to create an ecosystem capable of manufacturing critical indigenous components needed by prime contractors. Other panels will focus on sectoral supply models, incentives, testing and certification processes in both civil aviation and defense sectors.

Industry giants such as Baykar, ASELSAN, TAI, Roketsan, BMC Power, Kale Group, Havelsan, TAIS, Turkish Technic and Altınay Robotics, along with medium and small-scale manufacturers, will showcase their latest innovations. The exhibition will also highlight domestically developed subsystems that place Turkey among the few countries capable of producing such technologies. These systems will be presented to major domestic and international contractors, strengthening Turkey’s defense export potential.

SAHA EXPO 2018 stands as a major milestone for Turkey’s defense sector, offering a comprehensive platform for technological exhibition, business collaboration and global networking.