SAHA EXPO, recognized as one of the most prestigious defense industry fairs in the world, will be held this year from October 22-26 in Istanbul. Organized by SAHA Istanbul, Turkey’s and Europe’s largest industrial cluster, the event will take place at the Istanbul Expo Center (IFM) under the auspices of the Presidency and with the support of six ministries and the Presidency of Defense Industries. This international fair, where future technologies will be showcased, is set to bring together domestic and international defense giants.
Record Participation Expected
SAHA EXPO, which hosted over 78,000 professional visitors last year, aims to grow even further this year, expecting more than 150,000 visitors. The fair will be held in a massive 90,000-square-meter area, covering eight exhibition halls, foyers, and outdoor spaces of the Istanbul Expo Center. The event will feature the latest products in the industry, with 200 foreign exhibitors from 40 different countries expected to showcase their offerings. Prominent defense, aerospace, and space industry companies from the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Africa will particularly be in attendance.
Leading Global Success
Levent Kerim Uça, Secretary General of SAHA Istanbul, highlighted the rapid growth of the fair. “SAHA EXPO started in a small space in 2018. In 2021, we expanded it to 40,000 square meters, then 60,000 square meters in 2022, and this year we will hold it over 90,000 square meters. A sectoral fair that grows by 50% each year is an unparalleled success worldwide,” he said. Uça also mentioned that companies from five continents, as well as high-level official delegations and trade procurement groups, would participate this year.
Global Giants Together
The fair aims to connect participating companies with official delegations and commercial procurement teams from leading countries in defense and aerospace. Levent Kerim Uça mentioned that close to 400 official delegations would attend the event, facilitating comprehensive meetings for industry professionals to collaborate. “This year, prime ministers, ministers, chiefs of staff, and other key officials from around the world will attend our fair. We will connect our participating companies, particularly SMEs, with these delegations, contributing to their export targets,” Uça noted.
Two Days Open to the Public
This year, the fair will not only be open to industry professionals but also to technology enthusiasts. Due to high public interest, the number of public open days has been increased to two. On October 25-26, visitors over the age of 18 will be able to explore the fair, offering a chance to see the latest technologies in defense, aerospace, and space industries.
International Panels to Discuss Future Technologies
Beyond being a mere exhibition space, SAHA EXPO will also host international panels. Industry professionals from both domestic and international sectors will come together to discuss important topics regarding the future of defense and space industries. Leading figures in technology will assess the challenges and opportunities the sector faces and develop new strategies for the future.
As SAHA EXPO showcases Turkey’s and the world’s rising power in the defense industry, the countdown has begun for this major event where the future will take shape.
