Countdown Begins for SAHA EXPO International Defense, Aviation, and Space Industry Fair!
SAHA EXPO, one of the world's prestigious defense industry fairs, returns this year with an even more powerful organization. The event, to be held on October 22-26, 2024, over a 90,000 square meter area with more than 1,200 participating companies, is expected to attract significant international attention. SAHA EXPO offers local manufacturers global opportunities, connecting them with buyers from around the world to showcase the latest technologies. The fair is set to host over 500 official and commercial delegations and is projected to exceed a business volume of over $1 billion with an export-focused agenda. The event will also provide a platform for key agreements and display the newest innovations and solutions in the defense industry.
Organized by SAHA Istanbul, Türkiye's and Europe's largest industrial cluster, the SAHA EXPO International Defense, Aviation, and Space Industry Fair will be held under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye and with the support of six ministries and the Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB) at the Istanbul Fair Center (IFM) on October 22-26, 2024.
More than 1,200 participating companies, including 200 international exhibitors, will be hosted alongside over 400 official delegations and approximately 150 commercial procurement committees. Additionally, the fair will host NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) program meeting. For citizens keen to experience the latest technological advancements in defense, aviation, and space industries, the fair has expanded the number of public days to two. An international FPV drone competition will also be held to showcase products in this field. Moreover, exhibits featuring ADA-Class Corvettes, the TCG Istanbul Frigate, USVs, and AUSVs will be on display.
The fair will feature technologies that shape the future, providing numerous local and international companies and organizations with the opportunity to showcase their latest products. SAHA EXPO aims to welcome over 150,000 professional visitors this year, covering all eight exhibition halls, foyers, and outdoor areas of the Istanbul Fair Center, spanning a total area of 90,000 square meters.
SAHA Istanbul Secretary General Levent Kerim UÇA commented on the fair, stating that SAHA EXPO has achieved unparalleled success in a short time. "Our fair, which started in a small space in 2018, was held in a 40,000 square meter area in 2021, expanded to 60,000 square meters in 2022, and this year, it will cover 90,000 square meters. There is no other example in the world of a sectoral fair growing by 50% annually and expanding with each iteration," he said.
UÇA continued: "This year, we aim to surpass the figures achieved in previous fairs, hosting over 1,200 participating companies, including 200 foreign exhibitors, 500 official and commercial delegations, 150,000 visitors, and 25,000 B2B meetings. We also aim to exceed $1 billion in economic value through the signature ceremonies to be held during the fair." He emphasized that SAHA EXPO is poised to set new records, following the defense and aerospace industry's trend of breaking records.
UÇA added: "This year, we expect approximately 200 foreign exhibitors from around 40 countries across five continents. Leading companies from regions as diverse as the United States, Australia, the South Pacific, Europe, and Africa will meet with local companies and visitors to explore collaboration opportunities. When we add official delegations, commercial procurement committees, and visitors from around the world, it's safe to say that someone or some company from every corner of the world will engage with this fair. We view the SAHA EXPO not just as a fair but as a gathering where all professionals in the sector come together. During numerous international panels, we will bring together professionals from both Türkiye and abroad to evaluate important industry-related topics in-depth, contributing to the industry's development."
He concluded: "The fair, which was previously held for four days, has been extended to five days this year due to high public demand. To allow citizens to experience the latest technological developments in defense and aerospace industries firsthand, the number of public days has been doubled. These public days are scheduled for Friday, October 25, 2024, and Saturday, October 26, 2024, with an age limit of 18 and above."
Moreover, UÇA mentioned that this year, the fair is expected to host around 400 official delegations from different countries and major international organizations such as NATO. "From prime ministers to ministers and chiefs of general staff, we will bring together industry professionals with participating companies. The UK's Minister of Defense visited SAHA EXPO in 2022, and we expect similar high-level foreign visitors this year. In addition to official delegations, we also aim to connect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international commercial procurement committees, a first for a defense industry fair of this scale in Türkiye. We plan to host around 150 commercial procurement committees this year," he said.
UÇA concluded by inviting everyone interested in experiencing the latest technological developments in defense, and aerospace industries to this significant gathering, where masters of technology open the doors to a new world shaping the future.
