Erdogan: Turkeys defense industry is now a globally trusted ecosystem

Mucahithan Avcıoğlu

Date: 08 May 2026

Last updated: 08 May 2026

ISTANBUL (AA) – The President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, declared Friday that Turkey’s defense industry has become a reliable and preferred ecosystem, attracting high demand not only in its region but worldwide.

The Turkish President made these remarks at the SAHA EXPO 2026 International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul.

Erdogan stated that Turkey has proudly carved its name among countries whose star shines globally in defense, aviation, and space technology.

“Behind this image of success undoubtedly lie decades of effort, the dedication of over 100,000 children of this nation working day and night with a spirit of dedication, the support of our people, and the will of our state,” he declared.

Erdogan highlighted that the event, organized for the fifth time this year, was marked by new records, agreements, and collaborations.

A total of 1,763 companies, including 1,500 domestic firms, participated, unveiling 203 products with new features for the first time, he added.

He also mentioned that 192 official delegations and 108 procurement delegations had the opportunity to establish direct contact with the sector.

“With 182 agreements signed during the exhibition, a total business volume of $8 billion was reached,” Erdogan stated, noting that $6 billion of this total consisted of export-oriented agreements.

“When we look at the whole situation, what we see precisely is this: the Turkish defense industry has become a demanded, reliable, closely followed, and preferred ecosystem not only in its region but also worldwide,” he declared.

The president also noted that Turkey’s defense and aviation exports have maintained strong momentum this year.

“There has been a 28% increase in the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period last year. We have achieved $2.871 billion in exports in the first four months,” he congratulated.

Erdogan also praised the SAHA Istanbul exhibition, describing it as the largest European defense and aviation cluster with over 1,300 member companies and active participation from 30 universities.

“We will continue to work tirelessly until we achieve the goal of a fully independent Turkey in the defense industry,” he assured.

Turkish companies are showcasing their latest and most advanced products at the five-day SAHA 2026 event at the Istanbul Expo Center, which will conclude on Saturday.

The event is organized by Turkey and Europe’s largest defense, aviation, and space industrial cluster, Anadolu, with global communication partner.

* Translated by Tuncay Şakmak