Defense Industry Fairs in Türkiye 2026: Entry Points into a Growing High-Tech Ecosystem

Türkiye’s defense industry will open its doors to international entrepreneurs in 2026 through a series of major exhibitions and fairs. As the country becomes a center for advanced technologies such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and cybersecurity, these events provide a unique opportunity to explore partnerships and investments in a rapidly expanding ecosystem.

Key Defense Industry Events in 2026

SAHA 2026 – International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition

SAHA 2026 stands as the most prestigious event in Türkiye’s defense and aerospace sector. It will take place from 5 to 9 May 2026 at the Istanbul Expo Center. More than 1,500 companies from over 120 countries are expected to participate, covering an area of 100,000 square meters. The exhibition aims to attract more than 200,000 visitors and facilitate over 25,000 pre-scheduled B2B meetings, making it a global platform for defense innovation and collaboration.

İGEF’26 – Internal Security Equipment Fair

İGEF’26 will be organized from 1 to 3 October 2026 at the ATO Congresium Convention and Exhibition Center in Ankara. This event brings together players from the fields of internal security, protective technology, and defense manufacturing. Attendees will include public institutions, private-sector representatives, and international government officials, fostering direct communication and cooperation opportunities across borders.

LES EXPO 2026

LES EXPO will take place in Istanbul from 7 to 9 April 2026. The fair serves as an important platform for logistics, engineering, and supply chain solutions relevant to the defense and security sectors. It is an ideal event for entrepreneurs seeking cross-sector collaboration and technology integration.

Strategic Investments in Türkiye’s Defense Industry

Türkiye’s defense sector continues to strengthen its focus on transformative technologies under the Presidential Annual Program for 2026. The development and integration of quantum technologies, AI systems, autonomous platforms, and hypersonic technologies are central to national projects designed for both military and civilian applications.

• Quantum technologies: The Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) continues to support R&D projects focused on the design, production, and testing of superconducting quantum processor units (QPUs).
• Artificial intelligence: More than nine ongoing R&D initiatives aim to embed AI across multiple defense-related platforms, creating dual-use application potential for commercial industries.
• Cybersecurity: Local firms are developing native products such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions, and cloud security services to replace foreign dependencies.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Aligned with the “National Technology Initiative,” Türkiye’s defense sector promotes domestic industrial growth, innovation partnerships, and qualified workforce development. Skills and technologies originally developed for defense are systematically being transferred to civilian markets under the “Dual-Use Roadmap.”

Regular business meetings and regional gatherings organized by the SSB bring together defense contractors, technology clusters, technoparks, and organized industrial zones. These events offer international entrepreneurs the chance to meet local stakeholders and identify potential partners.

Financial Support and Partnerships

Türkiye is expanding financial support mechanisms for defense-related entrepreneurship. Partnerships between banks, insurers, and domestic cybersecurity companies are encouraged to promote the use of locally produced technologies. This approach opens new channels for foreign investors seeking joint ventures, supply partnerships, or technology transfer agreements.

Why Attend Defense Fairs in Türkiye?

Participation in SAHA 2026 and İGEF’26 provides the most direct access to Türkiye’s defense and high-tech markets. These fairs bring together suppliers, buyers, and financiers in one environment, fostering collaboration and long-term investment opportunities. For global entrepreneurs, they represent the gateway to Türkiye’s rapidly developing defense innovation ecosystem.