Türkiye has become one of the world’s rising powers in defence, aviation and space industries, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said, pointing to billions of dollars in export agreements and combat-tested domestic systems.
Speaking at the SAHA EXPO 2026 International Defence, Aviation and Space Industry Fair in Istanbul on Friday, Erdogan said Türkiye had “proudly written its name among the countries whose star shines brightly on a global level in defence, aviation and space.”
“The Turkish defence industry has now become an ecosystem that is sought after, trusted and preferred not only in its region but across the world,” he said.
Erdogan announced that 182 agreements signed during the fair had generated a total business volume of $8 billion, with $6 billion consisting of direct export-oriented deals.
He also said Türkiye’s defence exports rose 28 percent in the first four months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, reaching $2.87 billion.
“We answered those who said ‘you cannot do it’ with products we developed, completed and successfully tested on battlefields, as we are doing today at SAHA 2026,” Erdogan said.
‘A future dominated by peace’
The Turkish president linked the country’s defence ambitions to national unity and domestic stability, describing the “internal front” as another critical pillar of national security alongside military deterrence.
“Today, the most strategic step we have taken to strengthen our internal fortress is the Terror-free Türkiye process, now in its 18th month, and the goal of a terror-free region,” he said.
Erdogan described the initiative as “a fortified position established in the consciousness and hearts of our nation” against regional power struggles, adding that it aimed to build “a future dominated by peace” by strengthening both Türkiye and neighbouring countries internally.
Erdogan also praised SAHA Istanbul, describing it as Europe’s largest defence and aviation cluster with more than 1,300 member companies and the active participation of 30 universities.
“We will continue working without stopping until we reach the goal of a fully independent Türkiye in the defence industry,” he said.
Turkish firms are showcasing their newest cutting-edge products at the five-day SAHA 2026 at the Istanbul Expo Centre, set to conclude on Saturday.
The event is organised by Türkiye’s and Europe’s largest defence, aviation, and space industry cluster.
