The countdown for the prestigious SAHA EXPO International Defence and Aerospace Exhibition has officially begun. The event, one of the world’s leading defence industry showcases, is set to take place from October 22-26, 2024, at the İstanbul Expo Center. Covering a sprawling area of 90,000 square meters and featuring over 1,200 companies, this year’s event promises to draw significant global attention. SAHA EXPO is poised to provide a platform for domestic manufacturers to connect with international buyers, as it highlights the latest technologies across the defence and aerospace sectors.
Organized by SAHA Istanbul, Türkiye’s largest industrial cluster and one of Europe’s biggest, the exhibition is held under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, with backing from six key ministries and the Presidency of Defence Industries. Expectations are high, with more than 500 official and commercial delegations and 150,000 visitors expected to attend the event. It aims to create an export-driven business volume of over USD 2 billion, making it a vital occasion for Türkiye’s burgeoning defence industry.
SAHA EXPO will host exhibitors from across the globe, including participation from 40 countries across five continents. From America to Australia, the event will feature a wide array of companies and delegations showcasing cutting-edge products and solutions. The exhibition will also host 25,000 B2B meetings, providing ample networking and collaboration opportunities for attendees.
With a focus on innovation, SAHA EXPO will display the latest technologies that are shaping the future of the defence and aerospace sectors. This global platform will provide invaluable opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Türkiye to engage with international buyers, paving the way for potential long-term partnerships.
The Secretary General of SAHA Istanbul, Levent Kerim Uça, highlighted the unprecedented growth of the exhibition. “We started in 2018 with a small area, expanded to 40,000 square meters in 2021, and reached 60,000 square meters in 2022. This year, we are expanding to 90,000 square meters, representing a remarkable 50% annual growth. Such rapid expansion is unparalleled in the industry,” Uça remarked.
Uça also outlined the significant economic impact expected this year. “We aim to generate more than USD 2 billion in economic value through the exhibition, with 25,000 B2B meetings and a host of signing ceremonies. SAHA EXPO is not just a trade fair, but a platform to break new records in the defence and aerospace industries.”
This year’s exhibition will welcome 400 official delegation members from countries around the world, alongside key international organizations like NATO. According to Uça, “We will bring together high-level officials such as prime ministers, ministers, and chiefs of staff with exhibitors, creating opportunities for SMEs to engage with potential buyers and partners.” He also emphasized the inclusion of commercial procurement delegations, noting that 150 commercial delegations will attend the exhibition for the first time in Türkiye.
In 2022, the UK Defence Minister visited the event, and similar high-profile international figures are expected this year. The exhibition will serve as a critical venue for showcasing Türkiye’s defence capabilities and fostering partnerships with global companies.
For the first time, SAHA EXPO will open its doors to the public for two days, allowing citizens over the age of 18 to witness the latest advancements in defence, aviation, and civil aviation. The public days, set for October 25 and 26, will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to experience technologies that will shape the future.
Uça stated, “We invite everyone who wants to see the latest technological developments in the defence and aerospace sectors to attend this great event. It’s a chance to step into the world where those who dominate technology will shape the future.”
The growth and success of SAHA EXPO mark it as a premier event in the global defence industry calendar. With its unprecedented expansion, diverse international participation, and potential for record-breaking business deals, SAHA EXPO 2024 is set to be a pivotal event that solidifies Türkiye’s position as a key player in the global defence and aerospace markets.
