Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler attended the opening ceremony of the SAHA 2026 International Defence, Aerospace and Space Industry Exhibition in Istanbul, where Türkiye’s domestic and national defence industry products are showcased to the world.

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Secretary of Turkish Defence Industry Haluk Görgün, and Chairman of SAHA Istanbul Haluk Bayraktar were also present at the ceremony. Minister Yaşar Güler was accompanied by the top command of Turkish Armed Forces and Deputy Ministers.

Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of SAHA 2026. He stated:

THE WAR IN OUR REGION HAS INCREASED OUR RESPONSIBILITIES

We are going through a sensitive period in which the global security environment has become increasingly uncertain, with conflicts and wars occurring simultaneously across many regions. In particular, the Russia–Ukraine War and the conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which we have recently witnessed and which directly affect our region, have deeply impacted the regional and global security architecture.

While these recent conflicts and wars provide us with critical data regarding security doctrine, they have also significantly increased our responsibilities.

In this chaotic environment, our heroic Turkish Armed Forces:

- Closely monitor all developments in a comprehensive and multidimensional manner,

- Take all necessary measures with determination, without overlooking any possibility, to ensure our defence and security.

During this critical period, one fact has become clear: focusing solely on current military mobility is not sufficient. The situation we face has the potential to reshape the global security architecture, the balance of deterrence, and military doctrines.

This new-generation concept, where modern warfare doctrine is blended with the most advanced combat technologies, has proven how vital it is not only to maintain a “ready and effective” army at all times but also to have a strong and sustainable defence industry ecosystem to support it.

WITH UAV, UCAV, AND COMBAT UAV TECHNOLOGIES, WE HAVE SHOWN THE WORLD WHAT TURKISH ENGINEERS CAN ACHIEVE

As you know, until the 1980s, our country was largely dependent on external suppliers in the field of defence industry. However, thanks to determined policies and the right investments implemented under the visionary leadership of our President, Türkiye has now become a country that designs, produces, and exports its own systems.

Within this vision:

- Our land platforms, equipped with modern technologies, demonstrate high mobility in the field,

- At sea, our national ships and unmanned naval vehicles firmly protect our rights and interests,

- Most importantly, the major transformation of the Turkish defence industry has been realized through our unmanned aerial vehicles, which have redefined warfare doctrines worldwide and have become the new rulers of the skies.

Today, our UAV, UCAV, and strategic-level COMBAT UAV technologies—featuring artificial intelligence, precision strike capability, and high-altitude performance—have created a global impact and have demonstrated in the most striking way what Turkish engineering can achieve.

The distinguished level we have reached in unmanned systems has also paved the way for advancing our air defence strategies to a much higher level.

Our integrated air defence system “Steel Dome,” the most concrete manifestation of our determination to protect our Sky Homeland, reflects this strategic mindset.

This structure, in which our air defence systems will operate in full harmony, is also proof that Türkiye is steadily advancing toward becoming an actor that shapes technology.

TÜRKİYE ALSO OFFERS TECHNOLOGY AND A SUSTAINABLE SECURITY ECONOMY TO ITS ALLIES

Today, Turkish defence industry products are not only featured in catalogues but have also proven themselves in some of the most challenging conflict zones in the world. Our nationally developed precision-guided munitions, produced in accordance with NATO standards, directly enhance military capabilities while offering cost advantages compared to their foreign counterparts.

In an era where economic cost has become an asymmetric weapon, Türkiye provides its allies not only with weapon systems but also with technology and a sustainable security economy.

I can proudly state that this major transformation has enabled Türkiye to become a strategic centre shaping next-generation warfare concepts.