Turkish President: Turkish Defense and Aviation Companies Sign $8 Billion Contracts
Erdogan announced the signing of $8 billion in defense contracts at the SASEXPO 2026 exhibition.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Istanbul, May 8 (KUNA) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Friday that Turkish companies operating in the defense, aerospace, and aviation industries had signed contracts worth approximately $8 billion, including $6 billion in export deals, during the Istanbul Aerospace, Space and Defense Exhibition (SAHA 2026).
Speaking at the exhibition, which opened in Istanbul last Tuesday and runs until tomorrow Saturday, President Erdogan said the contracts were concluded through 182 agreements. He congratulated the institutions, companies, and sponsors that contributed to organizing the event, which attracted more than 1,700 companies from 120 countries.
He added that 203 products were showcased for the first time at the exhibition, and that 192 official delegations and 108 purchasing delegations were given the opportunity to engage in direct dialogue with the sector. He noted that “Turkish defense industries have today become a system that enjoys global interest, trust, and preference, not merely regional.”
In his speech, Erdogan also affirmed that the “Turkey Without Terrorism” initiative is the name of a grand vision aimed at building a future characterized by peace, by strengthening the internal fronts of Turkey and neighboring countries. He stated that “the unity and cohesion of the people are the other critical link to national security, alongside defense industries and deterrence.” (End) T.A./A.M.S.
