Türkiye Redefines Global Defence Paradigms

The Istanbul Expo Centre transformed into the epicentre of global strategic discourse on Tuesday as the curtain went up on SAHA EXPO 2026, the fifth edition of the biennial event and the biggest one yet.

The flagship event, held under the auspices of the Turkish Presidency, has attracted over 1,700 companies and 140 official delegations to witness a definitive shift in the global security architecture. The opening ceremony served as a powerful declaration of Türkiye's transition from a regional player to a primary architect of modern warfare technology.

Haluk Bayraktar, the CEO of Baykar and Chairman of SAHA Istanbul, opened the proceedings by highlighting the fragility of the current global order. He asserted that the world is awakening from a long-held illusion of free trade to a harsh reality defined by customs wars and technological protectionism. Bayraktar noted that in this era, national production capacity is no longer merely an economic choice but a vital test of endurance for state survival. He revealed that global defence spending has reached a staggering US$2.9 trillion, with Türkiye achieving a 14 per cent growth rate in this sector. "Modern warfare manifests as the sum of technology and industrial production capacity," Bayraktar stated, emphasizing that military doctrines are being rewritten around autonomous systems.

Strategic Industry Growth

Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries, detailed the rapid expansion of the country's domestic ecosystem. Türkiye has successfully increased its indigenisation rate from 20 per cent in the early 2000s to an impressive 83 per cent today. Dr. Görgün underscored that the sector aims to reach a US$13 billion export target by the end of 2026, building on the record-breaking US$10.29 billion achieved over the previous twelve months. This growth is underpinned by a shift toward high-value, technology-driven products that have been battle-proven in diverse theatres of operation.

Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Industry and Technology, said that Türkiye is not just manufacturing hardware but is fostering a comprehensive value chain that integrates artificial intelligence, satellite technologies, and advanced materials. Kacır highlighted that the success of the defence sector serves as a blueprint for other industries, including health and energy, where technological independence is equally critical. He noted that the ministry is prioritising pre-competitive projects and satellite development to ensure Turkey remains at the forefront of the burgeoning space economy.

Autonomous Warfare Dominance

The narrative of technological supremacy was further reinforced by Yaşar Güler, Minister of National Defence, who addressed the shifting nature of security threats. Güler pointed out that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have fundamentally altered regional security calculations. He argued that simply monitoring military movements is no longer sufficient; nations must possess a sustainable defence ecosystem to maintain deterrence. Güler praised the Turkish Armed Forces for integrating advanced technologies into their doctrine, noting that "the actual great revolution of the Turkish defence industry has taken place with our unmanned aerial vehicles, which have rewritten the doctrines of warfare in the world and are the new masters of the sky."

Turkish innovations in the autonomous domain have particular resonance for the Asia-Pacific region, where nations are increasingly seeking asymmetric capabilities to balance major power dynamics. The region saw a real-terms increase in defence expenditure of 8.1 per cent in 2025, reaching US$681 billion. Türkiye’s "Steel Dome" (Çelik Kubbe) multi-layered air defence project and its expanding fleet of tactical and strategic UAVs offer a compelling model for ASEAN nations. These countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, are increasingly looking toward Ankara for strategic partnerships that include technology transfer and local production, moving beyond traditional buyer-seller relationships.

Regional Security Implications

Baykar utilised the prestigious platform to unveil the MIZRAK, a nationally developed intelligent loitering munition with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometres. The system represents a significant leap in AI-supported autonomous capabilities, designed to operate in contested environments where electronic warfare is prevalent. Bayraktar warned against a burgeoning "techno-feudalism," where reliance on foreign algorithms and data could lead to digital bondage. He argued that true sovereignty in the 21st century requires total control over the digital "operating systems" that govern modern weaponry. This perspective aligns with the strategic shifts seen in the Indo-Pacific, where middle powers are striving for strategic autonomy amidst the fragmentation of the global order.

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic ribbon-cutting event led by the four keynote speakers alongside high-ranking international military officials. This act officially opened a four-day exhibition featuring 203 new product launches and an expected 164 signing ceremonies. Initial estimates suggest that the deal volume at SAHA 2026 will exceed US$8 billion, with US$6 billion of that total comprising direct export contracts. As the dignitaries toured the 400,000 square metres of exhibition space, the message was clear: Türkiye has established itself as a reliable, independent, and technologically advanced partner for any nation seeking to secure its future in an increasingly unpredictable world.

Economic Independence Goals

The economic implications of this technological surge are profound, as Türkiye effectively reduces its reliance on defence imports while boosting its high-tech export profile. Minister Güler reiterated that the country’s progress from a supplier-dependent nation in the 1980s to a leading exporter today is a result of visionary leadership and consistent investment. The transition toward mobile production paradigms, characterised by low unit costs and high-volume output, is particularly suited to the needs of modern, high-intensity conflicts. This strategy ensures that the Turkish defence industry remains resilient and capable of meeting both domestic requirements and international demand.

The presence of over 30,000 industry professionals from 120 countries at the Istanbul Expo Centre underscores the global relevance of defence vision. For Southeast Asian observers, the exhibition provides a clear look at the future of integrated multi-domain operations. By combining land, sea, and air platforms with advanced AI and networking capabilities, Türkiye is providing a template for modern national defence that prioritises agility and technological self-reliance. As SAHA 2026 progresses, the agreements signed here are likely to shape the strategic landscape of the Asia-Pacific and beyond for years to come.