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SAHA EXPO 2024: International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition Set to Begin in Istanbul.
The 2024 edition of SAHA EXPO, one of the largest international fairs dedicated to the defense, aerospace, and space industries, will take place from October 22 to 26 at the Istanbul Expo Center. This major event, showcasing Türkiye’s technological and industrial potential, will bring together over 1,200 exhibitors from around the world. Army Recognition will be present throughout the event as the Online Show Daily and Official Web TV, providing comprehensive coverage of new developments and major announcements.
The 2024 edition of SAHA EXPO, set to take place in Istanbul from October 22 to 26, will cover 90,000 square meters, marking a 50% increase in size compared to the previous edition (Picture source: SAHA Expo)
The defense and aerospace industry is a constantly evolving ecosystem shaped by unique dynamics. In an era of rapid technological advancements, defense concepts and security approaches are undergoing significant transformations. Countries that invest in these new technologies and integrate them into their military capabilities not only strengthen their power but also build a robust economic structure through exports. The pandemic has shown that defense spending remains crucial for national security and geopolitical strategy, even during global crises.
Possessing cutting-edge, innovative technologies provides undeniable military and economic advantages. Recent regional conflicts have demonstrated the critical importance of national defense capabilities and the necessity of technological innovation. Türkiye, in particular, has made significant strides toward achieving full autonomy in the defense and aerospace sectors. Through a policy of nationalization, the country has significantly reduced its external dependence, becoming a producer of high technology. Over the past two decades, the Turkish defense industry has undergone a radical transformation, producing drones, warships, and numerous technologies that have garnered global interest. These advancements not only meet the needs of Türkiye’s national security forces but also position the country competitively on the international market.
Global defense spending has reached $2.4 trillion, even during complex periods such as the pandemic, with a 5.4% increase over the last 22 years. Conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, have been a major driver of this growth. The United States, China, Russia, India, and the United Kingdom account for 75% of these expenditures, widening the gap with other nations. Türkiye, for its part, has successfully increased its defense and aerospace industry revenue while reducing costs through nationalization and localization policies.
The nationalization movement has enabled Türkiye to become a competitive player on the global stage. In 2002, the turnover of the Turkish defense industry was around $1 billion. By 2023, it had reached $12 billion, with exports also seeing a significant rise. The export target for 2024 is to surpass $6 billion, up from $5.5 billion in 2023.
SAHA Istanbul, a major civilian actor in this transformation, was founded in 2015 with the mission to improve the technological and sectoral competencies of its members. It supports the development of critical technologies and strengthens the sector's international competitiveness by promoting cooperation among companies. In just nine years, SAHA Istanbul has grown from 27 members to over 1,200 companies, primarily SMEs, operating in 52 different fields across 49 cities and collaborating with 29 universities and numerous institutions. SAHA Istanbul is now Europe’s largest industrial cluster, with the mission of strengthening Türkiye’s defense ecosystem.
The 2024 edition of SAHA EXPO, set to take place in Istanbul from October 22 to 26, will cover 90,000 square meters, marking a 50% increase in size compared to the previous edition. This event serves as an international platform to showcase Türkiye’s production capabilities in the defense and aerospace sectors, along with its independent production capacity. Numerous technological innovations in defense, aerospace, maritime, and space industries will be unveiled for the first time.
This year, SAHA EXPO aims to establish new collaborations and sign agreements that will further boost Türkiye’s defense industry exports. Special focus is placed on SMEs, which form the backbone of the aerospace industry, by supporting their development and export efforts. The exhibition brings together local industrialists, defense and aerospace companies, and international trade delegations, facilitating product marketing and the creation of new partnerships.
Since its inception, SAHA EXPO has expanded from 10,000 m² to 90,000 m² and now hosts more than 1,200 companies worldwide. In 2024, the exhibition expects over 150,000 visitors, 500 official and trade delegations, and more than 150 product launches.
Among the novelties, panels and conferences will be held, bringing together industry professionals to discuss the latest innovations. Special attention will be given to FPV drones, whose use on battlefields has recently transformed the course of conflicts. Additionally, for the first time, Turkish-made warships and autonomous naval vehicles will be exhibited in the ports of Sarayburnu and Ataköy, offering a unique showcase of Türkiye’s naval capabilities.
Sectoral pavilions dedicated to areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and space will allow small businesses to exhibit their products and explore new business opportunities. A “Space Pavilion” will also be featured for the first time, promoting Turkish technologies related to space as part of the National Space Program.
Army Recognition will provide full coverage throughout the event as Online Show Daily and Official Web TV, with articles available on our website and video content on our YouTube channel.