SAHA EXPO 2024, which demonstrates the significant developments Turkey has achieved in the field of technology and industry in recent years, was held in Istanbul between October 22-26. As one of the largest fairs for the defence industry, the event not only showcases Turkey's domestic and national production capacity, but also contributes to the introduction of technological innovations in the defence industry to the global arena. TÜBİTAK drew attention with its large participation in the exhibition, continuing its mission to integrate Turkey's scientific and technological capacity into the defense industry. TÜBİTAK's stand, which was one of the most prominent stands, was visited by many political and military figures, including Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Industry and Technology, and Yaşar Güler, Minister of National Defense.

46 Innovative Technologies Exhibited

TÜBİTAK once again demonstrated Turkey's strength in domestic and national production by exhibiting 46 different technologies and products developed for the defense industry within the scope of SAHA EXPO 2024. At TÜBİTAK's booth, TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, TÜBİTAK MAM, TÜBİTAK RUTE, TÜBİTAK SAGE, TÜBİTAK ULAKBİM, TÜBİTAK UME and TÜBİTAK UZAY exhibited the products and technologies developed by their various units and explained the support they provide.

Products from TÜBİTAK Debuting for the First Time at Saha Expo 

TÜBİTAK introduced many new products at the Saha Expo with its institutes offering advanced technology solutions in Turkey's defense and aerospace sector. Among the projects exhibited for the first time this year were the following:

TÜBİTAK MAM (Marmara Research Center):

MMU Life Support System: An advanced system developed for the National Combat Aircraft (MMU) that protects the safety and health of pilots.

MMU Explosion Prevention System: An innovative prevention technology that minimizes the risk of explosion, which is critical for aircraft safety.

TÜBİTAK SAGE (Defense Industry Research and Development Institute):

KIZILGÖZ: Visible Seeker Heads are electro-optical systems capable of long-range, wide-angle detection, identification, tracking and tracking thanks to its high-resolution camera.

TINAD: The Optical Tank Barrel Alignment System (TINAD) provides line-of-sight alignment of the barrel. In addition to increasing the accuracy of tank fire control systems, it reduces ammunition waste and shortens operational readiness time.

SGN-33P: SGN-33P is a high performance tactical level Global Positioning System (GPS) supported navigation system. The MEMS inertial measurement unit and GNSS receiver provide highly accurate position, velocity and orientation values in static and dynamic conditions using advanced sensor fusion algorithms.

Detonation Engine: The Continuously Rotating Detonation Engine works by compressing and burning the fuel/oxidizer mixture with one or more continuously rotating detonation waves in an annular combustion chamber volume. A high-performance engine that provides energy efficiency for the defense and aerospace industry and is suitable for new generation platforms.

S-FORCE: S-FORCE provides advanced simulation solutions designed for defense industry companies, research and development organizations, technology companies and universities. It covers a wide range of needs from modeling land, air, sea, underwater and space platforms to radar and electronic warfare simulations.

TÜBİTAK RUTE (Rail Transportation Technologies Institute):

Indigenous Engine: Engine technology developed locally and indigenously for Turkey's rail transportation systems meets international standards in performance and efficiency.

TÜBİTAK UZAY also introduced the New Generation BALISTICA System at SAHA EXPO 2024

TÜBİTAK UZAY introduced the New Generation BALISTIKA System it developed at the exhibition and shared Turkey's progress in ballistic analysis technologies with the national and international public.

Strategic Themed Pavilions 

In addition to its stand at SAHA EXPO, TÜBİTAK also took part in three thematic pavilions of strategic importance:

Artificial Intelligence Pavilion: TÜBİTAK BİLGEM participated in the fair with video presentations showcasing innovative artificial intelligence solutions and advanced technology applications.

Space Pavilion: TÜBİTAK MAM, TÜBİTAK SAGE, TÜBİTAK UME and TÜBİTAK UZAY introduced 11 different products developed for space technologies and satellite systems.

Testing and Certification Pavilion: TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and TÜBİTAK UME showcased Turkey's competence in testing and certification and introduced 8 different products.

Collaborations Shaping the Future 

TÜBİTAK, one of Turkey's leading science and technology organizations, signed strategic cooperation agreements on the first day of Saha Expo in Istanbul. In a ceremony attended by the Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın and industry representatives signed cooperation agreements in various fields.

TÜBİTAK BİLGEM - THY Technic 

TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and Turkish Technic have signed a contract for Aircraft Nose Radome Test Service. This agreement, signed on behalf of TÜBİTAK by Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın and Turkish Technic Deputy General Manager Assoc. Dr. Zekeriya Demir, covers critical testing processes for domestic aircraft projects.

TUSAŞ - TUBU̇TAK BİLGEM 

TAI and TÜBİTAK BİLGEM signed a declaration of intent to cooperate on the development of the Integrated Processor Unit (ICU) for the Development of a National Combat Aircraft (KAAN). Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, President of TÜBİTAK, and Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu, General Manager of TAI, signed this important agreement.

TAI - TÜBİTAK MAM 

TÜBİTAK MAM and TAI have entered Phase 2 of the Life Support System and Explosion Prevention System development projects, two critical systems for Turkey's 5th Generation National Fighter Aircraft KAAN. Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, President of TÜBİTAK, and Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu, General Manager of TAI, signed this important agreement.

TÜBİTAK BİLGEM - HAVELSAN

TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and HAVELSAN signed the Message Operating System Supply Contract. The contract was signed by Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, President of TÜBİTAK, and Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Mantar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HAVELSAN.

ROKETSAN - TUBU̇TAK SAGE 

TÜBİTAK SAGE and ROKETSAN signed an R&D Cooperation Protocol to support R&D activities in the defense industry. The signatures were signed by TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, TÜBİTAK SAGE Director Kemal Topalömer, ROKETSAN General Manager Murat İkinci and Deputy General Manager Halil Bulut.

TÜBİTAK SPACE - TÜRKSAT A.Ş. 

TÜBİTAK UZAY and TÜRKSAT A.Ş. signed a Cooperation Protocol on Satellite and Space Technologies. The agreement was signed by Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, President of TÜBİTAK, and Ahmet Hamdi Atalay, General Manager of TÜRKSAT A.Ş.

TÜBİTAK UZAY - Poloptech 

TUBITAK UZAY and Poloptech signed the Lunar Mission Wide Angle Camera Contract. TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın and Poloptech CEO Şimşek Tekerek signed the contract and took an important step towards the development of new technologies that will contribute to Turkey's lunar mission.

TÜBİTAK RUTE - TR TEST 

The Cooperation and Solution Partnership Agreement signed between TÜBİTAK RUTE and TR TEST will strengthen the cooperation between the two institutions in the fields of testing and certification. TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın and TR TEST officials signed the agreement.

TÜBİTAK SAGE - BAYKAR MAKI SAN. VE TİC. A.Ş. 

BAYKAR Makina and TÜBİTAK SAGE signed a cooperation agreement for the order of BOZOK ammunition for 2024. The agreement was signed by TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın and Baykar Chairman Haluk Bayraktar.

SSB - TUBU̇TAK BİLGEM - HAVELSAN 

A Cooperation Protocol was signed between the Presidency of Defense Industries, TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and HAVELSAN for the TAF Cloud Computing System. President of Defence Industries Prof. Dr. Haluk GÖRGÜN, President of TÜBİTAK Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın and Havelsan General Manager Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar signed the agreement.

TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and METU 

An important cooperation protocol between TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and Middle East Technical University (METU) in the fields of electronic warfare, cryptography, software development and infrared technologies will be signed at SAHA EXPO 2024. This strategic cooperation aims to develop advanced technology projects by bringing together the experience and knowledge of both institutions. TÜBİTAK Vice President İsmail Doğan and METU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil signed the protocol.

These agreements are considered as important steps towards increasing Turkey's domestic production capacity in defense and space technologies and enhancing its international competitiveness. TÜBİTAK aims to expand its technology development and R&D collaborations with these signing ceremonies at Saha Expo.

 "We are One and We are Together"

Following the terrorist attack on TAI, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, President of Defense Industry Haluk Görgün visited the TAI booth and cursed terrorism and gave the message "We are one and we are together".

Immediately after the terrorist attack on TAI, TÜBİTAK reacted to the attack on social media. TÜBİTAK shared a common message with all defense industry institutions and companies on its corporate accounts. The message read: "We are one and we are together! We condemn the treacherous terrorist attack against TAI, one of the most valuable defense industry organizations of our country and our stakeholder in many projects. We wish Allah's mercy to our martyrs, condolences to their relatives and a speedy recovery to our wounded."

Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, President of TUBITAK, said in his social media post: "We condemn the treacherous terrorist attack on TAI Kahramankazan facilities. This attack targeting our ideal of Fully Independent Turkey will never stop us from our work. We will always continue to work for our country, our state and our beloved nation! I wish Allah's mercy to our martyrs who lost their lives in the treacherous attack and a speedy recovery to our veterans. My condolences to our nation."

The Turkish flag was also displayed on the giant LED screen at the TÜBİTAK stand to condemn terrorism and to show support for TAI. TUBITAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın and all TUBITAK employees, in particular, gave messages of support to TAI with the cockades they wore.