ISTANBUL, Friday, May 8, 2026 (WNP): President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday said the Turkish defence industry has transformed into a globally trusted and sought-after ecosystem, emphasizing the country’s growing influence in defence, aviation, and space technologies.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the SAHA 2026 International Defence and Aerospace Exhibition, Erdoğan said Türkiye has firmly established itself among the leading nations in the global defence and aerospace sector.
“The Turkish defence industry has now evolved into an ecosystem that is sought after, trusted, closely followed, and preferred not only within its region but also on a global scale,” he said.
The Turkish president stated that Türkiye’s achievements in defence, aviation, and space were the result of decades of consistent efforts, strategic vision, and national determination.
“Türkiye has proudly secured its place among the countries whose stars are shining brightly at the global level in the fields of defence, aviation, and space,” Erdoğan remarked.
He paid tribute to the more than 100,000 people working in the Turkish defence industry, praising their dedication, commitment, and contributions to the country’s technological progress and national security.
According to Erdoğan, the support of the Turkish nation and the determination of the state played a decisive role in strengthening the country’s indigenous defence capabilities.
The president reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to achieving complete self-reliance in the defence sector, saying the country would continue advancing toward greater technological achievements and strategic independence.
“Inshallah, we will rise to even greater heights, write far greater success stories together, and continue working tirelessly until we achieve the goal of a fully independent Türkiye in the defence industry,” he said.
The SAHA 2026 exhibition brought together defence manufacturers, aerospace companies, military officials, and international delegations to showcase advanced defence technologies and strengthen international cooperation in the sector.
