SAHA Istanbul, celebrating its 10th anniversary, has become the largest industrial cluster in Türkiye as an important cluster leading the development of the defense, aviation and space industry. Aiming to increase the technological competencies of domestic companies in line with the “National Technology Move”, this cluster plays a critical role in strengthening domestic production and increasing international competitiveness. While supporting the sectoral and technological development of domestic companies, SAHA Istanbul also paves the way for them to achieve success on a global scale.
Mission and Vision of SAHA Istanbul
SAHA Istanbul offers comprehensive support mechanisms to increase the success of companies operating in the defense, aviation and space sectors. It provides services in many different areas such as providing cost advantages to its member companies, contributing to digital transformation processes and strengthening human resources. In this way, SAHA Istanbul aims to create a solid ecosystem for Turkish industry to compete globally.
The synergy created by the member companies constitutes the cornerstone of SAHA Istanbul’s success. Today, over 1300 companies affiliated with SAHA Istanbul provide employment for a total of 78.300 people and achieve a turnover of 12,59 billion dollars and an export volume of 6,08 billion dollars. The majority of SAHA Istanbul’s members are SMEs, but micro-enterprises and universities are also among the cluster’s strong components.
SAHA Istanbul's Strategic Role in Türkiye's Defense Industry
Türkiye’s defense industry has been undergoing a major transformation in recent years, and SAHA Istanbul stands out as an important actor in this process. Turkey aims to reduce external dependency, increase domestic production, and have a greater say in global markets. In line with this goal, SAHA Istanbul is both strengthening Türkiye’s defense industry and taking strategic steps to become a strong actor in international markets.
By collaborating with large contractors in particular, SAHA Istanbul ensures the integration of its members into international supply chains. In this way, Turkish companies become competitive in the global market and increase their export capacity. At the same time, SAHA Istanbul strengthens global collaborations with B2B, B2G and G2G organizations and ensures that local companies have a greater say in the international arena.
National Technology Move and Localization Studies
One of the primary goals of SAHA Istanbul is to increase the domestic production rates in Türkiye's defense industry in line with the "National Technology Move" and to contribute to the development of critical technologies with domestic means. While SAHA Istanbul's member companies work to produce advanced technologies used in the defense industry with domestic means, they also aim to reduce external dependency in the defense field.
SAHA Istanbul’s 11 technical committees are carrying out important work towards this goal. The National Aviation Industry Committee (SAHA MIHENK) and the National Space Industry Committee (SAHA MUEK) in particular play a critical role in increasing Türkiye’s domestic production capacity in the aviation and space industry. These committees pioneer the localization of qualification and certification processes, while contributing to Türkiye’s production in line with international standards in the defense and aviation fields.
SAHA Istanbul and the Global Space Industry
SAHA Istanbul established the National Space Industry Committee (SAHA MUEK) in 2022 in order to transfer its successes in the defense and aviation fields to the space sector. This committee works to contribute to the development of technologies that Türkiye needs within the framework of the National Space Program. SAHA MUEK aims to increase Türkiye's global competitiveness in the space field by collaborating with the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and TÜBİTAK UZAY.
The International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), which will be held in Antalya in 2026, will be an important step for Türkiye to introduce its space ecosystem on a global scale and increase cooperation opportunities. By hosting this congress, SAHA Istanbul aims to announce the activities of Turkish companies in the space sector worldwide.
SAHA Academy: Defense Industry Leadership School
SAHA Istanbul established SAHA Academy in 2019 to train qualified human resources for the sector. This academy focuses on the training of professionals who will work in the defense, aviation and space industries, contributing to the development of companies in the sector. To date, SAHA Academy has managed to reach 439 sectoral professionals with 2.218 different training topics. In addition, SAHA Academy aims to reach international education standards on a global scale and train leaders who will shape the future of the Turkish defense industry.
The prominent SAHA MBA Executive Development Program provides comprehensive training for executives working in the defense, aviation and space sectors, enabling them to develop their leadership skills. As one of the most prestigious trainings in the sector, this program contributes to the training of executives with strategic vision.
Social Responsibility and Community Safety
SAHA Istanbul plays an important role not only in the fields of industry and technology, but also in social responsibility projects. Drawing attention with its work in the fields of disaster management and public safety, SAHA Istanbul aims to use the technological capacity of the defense industry in combating natural and human-induced disasters. It takes important steps to increase public safety with new technologies developed against forest fires, earthquakes and other disasters.
SAHA Istanbul has come a long way in the last 10 years and has become an important actor in Türkiye's defense, aviation and space industry to become a global player. In line with the National Technology Move, the studies it carries out to increase domestic production, develop critical technologies and increase global competitiveness are accelerating Türkiye's transformation in the defense industry. SAHA Istanbul will continue to shape Türkiye's future in technology and industry with successful collaborations and strategic steps in both sectoral and international areas.
