Türkiye Expands Defense and Aerospace Capabilities at SAHA 2026

May 5, 2026, 13:57
EuropeInternational

Introduction

The SAHA 2026 International Defence and Aerospace Exhibition has opened in Istanbul. This event serves as a key platform for promoting Turkish military technology and helping companies sign international trade deals.

Main Body

The exhibition is massive, covering 400,000 square meters and featuring 1,700 companies, including 263 international firms from over 120 countries. During the event, 203 new products are being introduced, such as AI-powered drones from Baykar and energy weapon systems from Roketsan and FNSS. The official goal is to secure export contracts worth about $8 billion, which is an increase from the $6.2 billion achieved in 2024. Over the years, the Turkish defense sector has moved toward producing more of its own technology. Local production rates have risen from about 20% in the early 2000s to 83% by 2026. To support this growth, the government plans to expand industrial zones from 160,000 to 350,000 hectares. This strategy aims to spread production across the country and reduce the risks caused by unstable global supply chains and trade restrictions. From a strategic point of view, Türkiye wants to work more closely with European defense markets. Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir emphasized that because Europe relies on external sources for 80% of its defense needs, Türkiye is an ideal partner. Furthermore, Haluk Gorgun from the Secretariat for Defense Industries stated that the country aims to become one of the top 10 global exporters, using its portfolio of over 230 products sold to 185 countries.

Conclusion

The SAHA 2026 exhibition runs until May 9, focusing on strengthening global partnerships and reducing the need for foreign technology.

Learning

🚀 The "Growth & Movement" Shift

At the A2 level, you likely say: "Turkey makes more things now" or "The company is bigger."

To reach B2, you need to stop using basic verbs and start using Dynamic Progression Verbs. These verbs describe how something is changing, not just that it is changing.

🔍 From Basic to B2

Look at how the article describes progress. Instead of saying "increase" or "get better," it uses:

  • "Expanded" →\rightarrow (Instead of made bigger): Used for space, capabilities, or business reach.
  • "Moved toward" →\rightarrow (Instead of started to): Used when a country or company is changing its strategy over time.
  • "Secure" →\rightarrow (Instead of get): Specifically used for contracts, deals, or safety. You don't just "get" a contract; you secure it.

🛠️ The "B2 Power-Up" Formula

If you want to sound more professional, replace these common A2 words with the B2 alternatives found in the text:

A2 WordB2 Professional AlternativeContext from Text
Get / FindSecureSecure export contracts
Grow / Make biggerExpandExpand industrial zones
Use / HelpServe as a platformServes as a key platform
Change / Go toMove towardMoved toward producing its own tech

💡 Pro Tip: The "Ideal Partner" Logic

Notice the phrase "Ideal partner." An A2 student says: "Türkiye is a good friend for Europe." A B2 student says: "Türkiye is an ideal partner."

Why? Because "ideal" suggests a perfect fit for a specific purpose, and "partner" implies a professional business relationship rather than a personal friendship.

Vocabulary Learning

promoting (v.)
to encourage or support the growth or development of something.
Example:The government is promoting local manufacturing to reduce dependence on imports.
exhibition (n.)
a public display of works of art or products, especially a trade show.
Example:The exhibition attracted thousands of visitors from around the world.
massive (adj.)
extremely large or great in size, amount, or degree.
Example:The massive event covered 400,000 square meters.
covering (v.)
spanning or encompassing a particular area or subject.
Example:The event is covering a wide range of technologies.
international (adj.)
relating to or involving two or more countries.
Example:The company has international partners in over 120 countries.
companies (n.)
businesses or firms that offer goods or services.
Example:There were 1,700 companies participating.
products (n.)
items made or sold by a business.
Example:The new products include AI‑powered drones.
AI-powered (adj.)
equipped with or operated by artificial intelligence.
Example:AI‑powered drones are among the most advanced items displayed.
drones (n.)
unmanned aircraft used for surveillance or combat.
Example:Drones can be used for surveillance and combat.
energy (adj.)
related to or derived from power or electricity.
Example:Energy weapon systems are a new category.
weapon (n.)
a device or instrument designed to inflict harm or damage.
Example:The weapon system can target high‑value assets.
systems (n.)
a set of connected parts working together as a whole.
Example:These systems integrate sensors and actuators.
export (n.)
the act of sending goods or services to another country for sale.
Example:Export sales grew by 30% last year.
contracts (n.)
formal agreements between parties that are legally binding.
Example:They signed several export contracts during the event.
increase (n.)
a rise or growth in quantity, size, or level.
Example:The increase in production will boost the economy.
production (n.)
the process of making goods or services.
Example:Production rates have risen from 20% to 83%.
rates (n.)
a measure or quantity per unit of time or space.
Example:The rates of local production are unprecedented.
industrial (adj.)
relating to manufacturing or large-scale production.
Example:Industrial zones provide infrastructure for factories.
zones (n.)
areas designated for specific uses or activities.
Example:The government plans to expand industrial zones.
strategy (n.)
a plan of action designed to achieve a long‑term goal.
Example:The strategy focuses on reducing supply chain risks.