Dedicated to positioning Türkiye as a producer rather than a consumer within the defence industry, SAHA Istanbul continues to spearhead the development of domestic technologies, aiming to expand the sectoral ecosystem. The cluster supports its members in producing more efficient, higher-quality, and competitive products by offering cost advantages and comprehensive assistance mechanisms ranging from digital transformation processes to human resource development. SAHA Istanbul’s member companies collectively employ 78,300 people, generating a total turnover of USD 12.59 billion and an export volume of USD 6.08 billion. The distribution of member companies is as follows: 64% SMEs, 16% micro-enterprises, 17% large enterprises, and 3% universities. As Europe's largest industrial cluster, SAHA Istanbul remains dedicated to strengthening local companies' positions within global competition.

SAHA Istanbul's Strategic Role in Türkiye's Defence Industry

Türkiye is steadily advancing towards becoming a globally competitive country in the defence industry, not only meeting its own needs but also positioning itself as a strong exporter in international markets. SAHA Istanbul, playing a critical role in this transformation process, significantly contributes to Türkiye's technological development capacity with over 1,300 member companies from 49 different cities, including 29 universities.

Aligned with Türkiye's goals of reducing foreign dependency and increasing export volume in defence and aerospace industries, SAHA Istanbul not only fulfils the country's defence industry needs but also contributes to the development of specialized technologies tailored to the requirements of allied countries.

To boost member companies' effectiveness in international markets and facilitate their integration into the global supply chain, SAHA Istanbul organizes B2B, B2G, and G2G events in collaboration with major contractors. The organization continues to take strategic actions and unify national production capabilities towards making Türkiye a global player in the defence industry.

SAHA Istanbul is actively pursuing initiatives aimed at increasing international demand for member companies' products, primarily through securing government support and enhancing global competitiveness. It organizes various international events with global stakeholders to promote Turkish firms and expand cooperation opportunities. Additionally, it leads efforts to ensure member firms leverage government support within the scope of programs like the Development of International Competitiveness (Ur-Ge).

SAHA Istanbul, uniting firms from 52 different sectors active in or capable of defence and aerospace production, facilitates strategic collaborations among platform and system/subsystem manufacturers, spearheading the development of critical technologies domestically. Activities conducted through 11 technical committees reduce foreign dependency while encouraging the growth of national capabilities and technological competencies within Türkiye's defence sector.

One of these 11 technical committees, the National Aviation Industry Committee (SAHA MİHENK), has since 2017 played a pivotal role in localizing qualification and certification processes in the aviation and aerospace industry's supply chain. SAHA MİHENK aims to have a decisive voice in setting, managing, and auditing Türkiye's aviation standards, achieving significant progress in this area. Workshops addressing the current status and supply integration processes of Türkiye's aviation industry have culminated in SAHA MİHENK’s admission as the 13th member of the European Aerospace Quality Group (EAQG), part of the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG), in 2019, positioning it as Türkiye's representative at a global level.

In 2022, SAHA Istanbul expanded its Defence and aviation industry activities into the space sector by establishing the National Space Industry Committee (SAHA MUEK) to support the technological requirements outlined in Türkiye's National Space Program. This committee, collaborating with the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), TÜBİTAK UZAY, and other firms operating in the space industry, aims to replicate Defence industry successes within the space sector. In 2022, SAHA MUEK became a member of the International Astronautical Federation, integrating Turkish companies into the global space ecosystem.

In this context, Türkiye will host the prestigious 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), organized by the International Astronautical Federation since 1949, under the auspices of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and SAHA Istanbul, from October 5-9, 2026, in Antalya. This congress will provide a significant platform for space professionals worldwide to strengthen collaborations and share experiences with Türkiye's growing space ecosystem.

SAHA Istanbul is also engaged in developing new technologies to combat natural and human-made disasters, emphasizing social responsibility and public safety. The organization aims to effectively utilize the capabilities and capacities of the Defence industry in preventing, mitigating, and managing the impacts of disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, and other calamities.

Consequently, the Forest Fires, Earthquake, and Disasters Committee (SAHA ODAK) was established to integrate Defence industry technological and production capabilities into disaster management, developing innovative solutions for disaster prevention, response, and recovery processes.

SAHA Istanbul’s technical committees, operating across various fields within the Defence and Aerospace industries, include: Electrical and Electronics Committee, Machinery and Other Manufacturing Equipment Committee, Software, Automation and Digital Transformation Committee, Materials and Material Forming Committee, Testing and Certification Committee, Subsystems Committee, Education and Institutional Structuring Committee, Logistics and Supply Chain Committee, National Aviation Industry Committee (SAHA MİHENK), and National Space Industry Committee (SAHA MUEK). Through these committees, SAHA Istanbul continues to generate effective solutions in Defence, aerospace, space, disaster management, and other critical industrial sectors.

SAHA AKADEMİ: The Leadership School of the Defence Industry

Established in 2019 by SAHA Istanbul, SAHA AKADEMİ continues to offer powerful solutions to meet the sector’s needs by providing professional training aimed at developing qualified human resources in the Defence and Aerospace industries.

To date, SAHA AKADEMİ has reached a total of 2,218 industry professionals from 872 companies through 439 different training programs, consistently adding value to the future of Türkiye’s Defence industry. The training modules, designed in alignment with the goals of Türkiye's National Technology Initiative and National Competence Initiative, aim to meet the sector’s requirements and achieve international standards.

SAHA AKADEMİ provides training across a broad spectrum, including Industrial Testing, Quality Management, Design, Materials, and Innovation, enhancing the competencies of firms within the sector and contributing significantly to their global competitive advantage. With its goals set for 2025, SAHA AKADEMİ aspires to further elevate its vision by becoming an internationally accredited provider of AS9100/AS9110/AS9120 training programs. Furthermore, it aims to extend its technical training programs to friendly nations and implement an MBA program in Azerbaijan in collaboration with Azerbaijan Technical University. SAHA AKADEMİ remains committed to strengthening its leadership in the sector, diversifying its educational offerings, and expanding international collaborations.

SAHA AKADEMİ’s flagship initiative, the SAHA MBA Executive Development Program, has been shaping industry leaders for six years. Specifically designed for managers and prospective executives, this comprehensive 354-hour program offers a unique professional development experience through mentoring, case studies, and business simulations. Launched in collaboration with SAHA Istanbul and TÜBİTAK TÜSSİDE, SAHA MBA is one of Türkiye’s most prestigious and focused executive MBA programs, specifically tailored for executives, managerial candidates, and business owners active in Defence and Aerospace sectors. Direct involvement of industry leaders and senior bureaucrats as educators aims to deliver enhanced value to national manufacturers and nurture strategically visionary leaders. To date, 430 participants from 218 different firms, institutions, and organizations have graduated from this distinguished program.

SAHA MBA provides participants with 270 hours of education across 49 subjects, complemented by 32 hours of business management simulations, 8 hours of mentoring, 24 hours of case studies, and 20 hours of seminars with senior bureaucrats and industry leaders. The curriculum not only imparts theoretical knowledge but also ensures participants can directly apply what they have learned to real-world business scenarios. Tailored to meet the needs of both corporate structures and family businesses, this comprehensive program is on par with the world’s leading executive MBA programs. Courses are conducted by expert local and international academics, professional instructors, and experienced TÜBİTAK staff. Growing steadily in added value each year, SAHA MBA is successfully continuing its 6th cohort, inspiring the next generation of industry leaders.

SAHA Istanbul continues activities aimed at creating international demand for our companies' products, primarily by securing state support to enhance competitiveness in global markets. Through various events with international stakeholders, we help our companies engage globally.

SAHA Istanbul has been awarded the "SILVER" quality label in the "Excellence in Cluster Management" category by ESCA (European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis), becoming the first in Türkiye and the fourth globally among aerospace and space clusters.

Additionally, SAHA Istanbul holds notable certifications, including the TS EN ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certificate, the National Quality Movement Program Certificate from the Turkish Quality Association, and the Progress in Excellence Certificate from EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management). SAHA Istanbul, embracing global standards of quality management and excellence, is preparing its member companies for competition on the global stage.

SAHA Istanbul Continues to Lead Global Cooperation in Defence and Aerospace Industries

SAHA Istanbul, committed to strengthening Türkiye's national Defence industry, continues to lead initiatives and events that gather key industry stakeholders. Significant steps are continuously being taken across Türkiye to integrate local firms into the Defence industry supply chain, supporting regional industrial clusters. Among these, the largest event, held annually in cooperation with the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO), is the Defence Industry Meetings, strategically aimed at bolstering the national production ecosystem by bringing industry representatives together.

Within the framework of international cooperation, B2B events were organized to increase Defence industry exports and strengthen the global market presence of member firms, bringing together local platform manufacturers, major international corporations, global clusters, and member companies.

Headquartered in Teknopark Istanbul, SAHA Istanbul continues to solidify Türkiye's and the region's leading position in the Defence industry with offices located at Istanbul Technical University, Yıldız Teknopark, Teknopark Ankara, METU CoZone Entrepreneurship Office, and liaison offices in Çorlu, Karabük, Mersin Tarsus, Gaziantep, Kahramanmaraş, Baku in Azerbaijan, and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

SAHA Entrepreneurship: A Strong Supporter of High-Tech Ventures in Defence and Aerospace

SAHA Entrepreneurship, a program managed by SAHA Istanbul, continues to significantly contribute to the development of innovative startups operating in the defence and aerospace sectors. Entrepreneurs benefit from technical mentoring, investor networking opportunities, sector-specific collaborations, and international market access. Through these efforts, SAHA Istanbul aims to strengthen Türkiye's Defence and Aerospace ecosystem, promoting sustainable growth for local, innovative, high-tech enterprises.

SAHA EXPO Continues Its Strong Rise Under a New Name!

SAHA EXPO, one of the most significant international platforms for the defence and aerospace industries, continues its journey with the new name "SAHA 2026 International Defence and Aerospace Exhibition," reflecting its expanding global influence and vision.

This change is a natural progression resulting from SAHA EXPO’s increasing international prestige and strong global position. Recognizing that the scope and impact of the exhibition have grown beyond the limits suggested by the "EXPO" designation, the SAHA Istanbul Board decided that starting in 2026, the event will continue with a more inclusive and powerful brand identity.

The SAHA International Defence and Aerospace Exhibition held in 2024 covered an area of 90,000 square meters, featuring 1,478 companies from 120 countries. Hosting foreign official and commercial delegations, the fair facilitated over 25,000 face-to-face meetings, resulted in 133 cooperation agreements, and generated business transactions worth $6.2 billion. At a time when the Defence industry is rapidly accelerating, SAHA EXPO 2024 stood out as a showcase further strengthening the industry's global position through its historic achievements. Both local and international firms had opportunities to display their latest products and technologies, with more than 300 product launches. Over 25,000 B2B, B2G, and G2G meetings held during the exhibition significantly contributed to sectoral cooperation. The exhibition attracted strong interest from international investors, hosting 178 foreign buyer delegations from 35 countries across 5 continents.

SAHA 2026 will be held at the Istanbul Expo Center from May 5-9, 2026, under the theme "Master Technology, Shape the Future," aiming to reinforce Türkiye's vision of becoming a global technological powerhouse. Following the successful completion of compliance audits by UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) in previous exhibitions, SAHA 2026 has joined the ranks of internationally recognized UFI-approved events. SAHA 2026 aims to expand Türkiye's international influence and remain a pivotal meeting point shaping the industry's future.

While highlighting its mission of contributing to global peace by providing trusted Defence solutions to friendly and allied nations, SAHA 2026 will continue to reinforce Türkiye's strength in global security and technology.