The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Industry and Technology M. Fatih Kacır, SAHA Istanbul Chairman Haluk Bayraktar, Turkish Technology Team Foundation Chairperson Selçuk Bayraktar, Presidency of Defence Industries President Haluk Görgün, and Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, alongside prominent representatives from the public and private sectors.
In his opening remarks, Minister Kacır highlighted the scale and depth of Türkiye's defense ecosystem, which encompasses major defense companies, SMEs, research institutions, and innovative technology startups. Emphasizing that global defense spending reached USD 2.9 trillion in 2025, he underlined the importance of building a comprehensive defense industry supported by strong R&D capabilities, advanced testing infrastructure, large-scale production capacity, and highly skilled human capital.
Throughout the exhibition, thousands of visitors witnessed the latest advancements shaping the future of Türkiye's aerospace and defense industry. From cutting-edge defense systems to next-generation aerospace solutions, the event demonstrated the country's growing technological capabilities and expanding role in global value chains.
Investment and Finance Office participated in SAHA 2026, engaging with international investors, industry leaders, and strategic partners. Located at the heart of the exhibition, the Office's booth welcomed global stakeholders and showcased Türkiye's investment environment, highlighting the country's transformation into a powerhouse for investments across high-value-added and technology-driven sectors.
As part of the exhibition program, the Office contributed to the panel titled “Shaping the Future: Investment and Entrepreneurship in Next-Generation Defense and Aerospace." Representing the Investment and Finance Office, Investor Services Department Head Mahmut Selim Porgalı highlighted Türkiye's rising position in the global defense industry and emphasized the country's competitive investment ecosystem. He outlined the opportunities available to international investors, including strategic incentives, tax advantages, and land allocation mechanisms designed to support large-scale industrial investments.
Delivering the closing remarks, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan noted that, with more than 1,700 exhibiting companies and participants from over 120 countries, SAHA 2026 once again demonstrated Türkiye's growing influence in advanced industries. The President emphasized that Türkiye is emerging as one of the key actors shaping the new era of integrated and multi-layered defense systems.
As one of the region's premier defense and aerospace gatherings, SAHA 2026 reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to innovation, technological excellence, and international collaboration, while highlighting the country's increasing attractiveness as a destination for strategic investments in advanced manufacturing and high-technology industries.