Defence Fair SAHA EXPO 2026

[UkroTurk]

View attachment 71579

TRANÇA is designed with advanced mobility in mind, capable of being transported via low-bed trailers and launched into the water from cranes, eliminating the need for permanent bases or specialized crews in remote regions. Dr. Munir Cansin Ozden, founder of DATUM A.Ş., emphasized the deliberate choice of TRANÇA’s compact 20-meter, 80-ton dimensions, which allow for fast and efficient land transportation. “This submarine is not just designed for attack missions; it’s versatile enough to serve as a mobile testing platform for naval technologies,” Dr. Ozden explained.


In addition to its combat capabilities, TRANÇA’s design incorporates features that will allow it to serve as a testbed for the Turkish Navy‘s future submarine systems. Dr. Ozden highlighted the importance of testing new technologies on a smaller, more cost-effective platform.



Dr. Ozden also addressed a critical challenge that many navies face: the significant personnel requirements for operating traditional submarines. He highlighted how mini submarines like TRANÇA can offer a more efficient alternative, particularly in terms of crew needs.

“Conventional submarines often demand a large and highly specialized crew, which can be difficult for many navies to sustain,” Dr. Ozden remarked. “In contrast, mini submarines like TRANÇA are designed to operate with a much smaller crew. For instance, a team of just eight operators can manage two TRANÇA attack submarines simultaneously. Once a mission is completed, these operators can be swiftly redeployed to another region to manage a different mission, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency.”


This streamlined approach not only reduces the operational burden on navies but also allows for rapid, strategic response across multiple theaters of operation, a distinct advantage over the personnel-intensive demands of larger, conventional submarines.

Enhanced Combat and Seabed Operations​

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TRANÇA’s capabilities extend far beyond conventional attack missions. Equipped with the MÜREN combat management system, it can launch Roketsan’s AKYA torpedoes and deliver MALAMAN smart sea mines developed by MKE-Koç-SAGE. Its diver lockout chamber can transport combat swimmers and support swimmer delivery vehicles, enabling special operations up to 250 meters below the surface. With domestic sonar technology from PRS, FAS, CHA, and other local companies, TRANÇA is poised to enhance Turkey’s ability to detect and neutralize threats in both shallow and deep waters.


One of the most significant advantages of the TRANÇA design is its operational flexibility. Thanks to its small size, it can be rapidly transported and deployed in theaters where larger submarines would be impractical. This makes it an ideal solution for countries that lack extensive submarine fleets but need effective coastal defense. TRANÇA can also be delivered inside TCG Anadolu, Turkey’s flagship amphibious assault ship, further extending its reach.

General Specifications​

• Length (LOA): 20m
• Beam: 2.8m
• Height: 3.6m
• Displacement: 60 tonnes
• Diving depth: 250m
• Operational speed: 4 kts
• Snorkelling speed: 8 kts
• Max Speed: 12 kts
• Range: 400 NM (battery), 2000 NM (snorkel)
• Crew: 4 operator + 6 combat swimmer
• Communications: VHF, HF, SATCOM
• Navigation: GNSS (Surface), INS+DVL (Underwater)
• Propulsion: 50kW electric engine, 400 kW diesel engine, Lithium Titanate Oxide Batteries
• Command, Control and Combat Management: TUBITAK MÜREN, HAVELSAN SEDA
• Weapons: 2x533mm torpedo tubes for SUB-ATMACA AShM, AKYA Heavyweight torpedo, 2/4 units Stidd DPD Swimmer delivery vehicles or 2/4 units MALAMAN smart sea mines

Author’s comment​

In modern naval warfare, surface and air surveillance sensors are evolving rapidly, but the underwater domain remains a complex area where one can more easily hide. Sonar, the primary sensor for underwater detection, is heavily affected by underwater environmental factors. In negative gradient water conditions, submarines enjoy a significant tactical advantage, as these conditions make them extremely difficult to detect. In contrast, under positive gradient conditions or other more favorable sonar environments, submarines often choose to stay beneath the layer depth—a natural barrier where sonar signals have great difficulty reaching—further enhancing their stealth and evading detection. This strategic use of depth in varying water conditions enables submarines to maintain a low profile and avoid enemy surveillance effectively.

Mini submarines like TRANÇA are even harder to detect due to their smaller size and lower noise output, compounding the already challenging nature of underwater surveillance. In coastal waters, where sound propagation is less predictable and ambient noise further complicates detection, identifying these compact submarines becomes valuable assets.


In such scenarios, mini submarines like TRANÇA have the potential to excel in demanding operations such as enemy detection, reconnaissance, and penetration. Armed with powerful weapons like heavy torpedoes or anti-ship missiles, these submarines can inflict significant damage on enemy forces. Despite the command and control complexities that may arise from deploying numerous mini submarines, their low operational cost and minimal crew requirements make them strategically advantageous. Equipped with deep-strike capabilities, they could carry out surprise attacks on high-value targets, maximizing their impact with the element of surprise.


The ability to deploy a fleet of these agile, stealthy submarines offers a potent new dimension to naval operations, with the potential to shift the balance in asymmetric warfare.

@ Tayfun Ozberk

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1850466331751002451

Great news!!!

Need to share it in Turkish Navy section.



Anyway finally somebody copied Italian midget submarine DG -85.

Before @Anmdt mentioned about this.


What a pitty , i missed this company.

Fair was too large and the time was limited

 

[KhanOfEurasia]

STM Exhibited its first Pressure Hull of STM500 | TURDEF

STM exhibited the pressure hull of Turkiye’s first national submarine, the STM500, at the SAHA Expo.

turdef.com

 

[Anmdt]

View attachment 71579

TRANÇA is designed with advanced mobility in mind, capable of being transported via low-bed trailers and launched into the water from cranes, eliminating the need for permanent bases or specialized crews in remote regions. Dr. Munir Cansin Ozden, founder of DATUM A.Ş., emphasized the deliberate choice of TRANÇA’s compact 20-meter, 80-ton dimensions, which allow for fast and efficient land transportation. “This submarine is not just designed for attack missions; it’s versatile enough to serve as a mobile testing platform for naval technologies,” Dr. Ozden explained.


In addition to its combat capabilities, TRANÇA’s design incorporates features that will allow it to serve as a testbed for the Turkish Navy‘s future submarine systems. Dr. Ozden highlighted the importance of testing new technologies on a smaller, more cost-effective platform.



Dr. Ozden also addressed a critical challenge that many navies face: the significant personnel requirements for operating traditional submarines. He highlighted how mini submarines like TRANÇA can offer a more efficient alternative, particularly in terms of crew needs.

“Conventional submarines often demand a large and highly specialized crew, which can be difficult for many navies to sustain,” Dr. Ozden remarked. “In contrast, mini submarines like TRANÇA are designed to operate with a much smaller crew. For instance, a team of just eight operators can manage two TRANÇA attack submarines simultaneously. Once a mission is completed, these operators can be swiftly redeployed to another region to manage a different mission, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency.”


This streamlined approach not only reduces the operational burden on navies but also allows for rapid, strategic response across multiple theaters of operation, a distinct advantage over the personnel-intensive demands of larger, conventional submarines.

Enhanced Combat and Seabed Operations​

View attachment 71580

TRANÇA’s capabilities extend far beyond conventional attack missions. Equipped with the MÜREN combat management system, it can launch Roketsan’s AKYA torpedoes and deliver MALAMAN smart sea mines developed by MKE-Koç-SAGE. Its diver lockout chamber can transport combat swimmers and support swimmer delivery vehicles, enabling special operations up to 250 meters below the surface. With domestic sonar technology from PRS, FAS, CHA, and other local companies, TRANÇA is poised to enhance Turkey’s ability to detect and neutralize threats in both shallow and deep waters.


One of the most significant advantages of the TRANÇA design is its operational flexibility. Thanks to its small size, it can be rapidly transported and deployed in theaters where larger submarines would be impractical. This makes it an ideal solution for countries that lack extensive submarine fleets but need effective coastal defense. TRANÇA can also be delivered inside TCG Anadolu, Turkey’s flagship amphibious assault ship, further extending its reach.

General Specifications​

• Length (LOA): 20m
• Beam: 2.8m
• Height: 3.6m
• Displacement: 60 tonnes
• Diving depth: 250m
• Operational speed: 4 kts
• Snorkelling speed: 8 kts
• Max Speed: 12 kts
• Range: 400 NM (battery), 2000 NM (snorkel)
• Crew: 4 operator + 6 combat swimmer
• Communications: VHF, HF, SATCOM
• Navigation: GNSS (Surface), INS+DVL (Underwater)
• Propulsion: 50kW electric engine, 400 kW diesel engine, Lithium Titanate Oxide Batteries
• Command, Control and Combat Management: TUBITAK MÜREN, HAVELSAN SEDA
• Weapons: 2x533mm torpedo tubes for SUB-ATMACA AShM, AKYA Heavyweight torpedo, 2/4 units Stidd DPD Swimmer delivery vehicles or 2/4 units MALAMAN smart sea mines

Author’s comment​

In modern naval warfare, surface and air surveillance sensors are evolving rapidly, but the underwater domain remains a complex area where one can more easily hide. Sonar, the primary sensor for underwater detection, is heavily affected by underwater environmental factors. In negative gradient water conditions, submarines enjoy a significant tactical advantage, as these conditions make them extremely difficult to detect. In contrast, under positive gradient conditions or other more favorable sonar environments, submarines often choose to stay beneath the layer depth—a natural barrier where sonar signals have great difficulty reaching—further enhancing their stealth and evading detection. This strategic use of depth in varying water conditions enables submarines to maintain a low profile and avoid enemy surveillance effectively.

Mini submarines like TRANÇA are even harder to detect due to their smaller size and lower noise output, compounding the already challenging nature of underwater surveillance. In coastal waters, where sound propagation is less predictable and ambient noise further complicates detection, identifying these compact submarines becomes valuable assets.


In such scenarios, mini submarines like TRANÇA have the potential to excel in demanding operations such as enemy detection, reconnaissance, and penetration. Armed with powerful weapons like heavy torpedoes or anti-ship missiles, these submarines can inflict significant damage on enemy forces. Despite the command and control complexities that may arise from deploying numerous mini submarines, their low operational cost and minimal crew requirements make them strategically advantageous. Equipped with deep-strike capabilities, they could carry out surprise attacks on high-value targets, maximizing their impact with the element of surprise.


The ability to deploy a fleet of these agile, stealthy submarines offers a potent new dimension to naval operations, with the potential to shift the balance in asymmetric warfare.

@ Tayfun Ozberk

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1850466331751002451

I am slightly unfaithful about the propulsion unit they are employing. It is not a permanent sync magnet motor but two small high speed electric motors, coupled to shaft through belts and in-plane reductors (fixed gearboxes), rather unpreferred in 21st century due to the noise it emits. But i would let the experts evaluate.

If a company offers a product for infiltration, unit insertion roles through deployment of SoF, i would expect an all silent propulsion unit. For example check Italian mini submarine designs with low rpm high torque engines, circumfentially connected to the pressure hull.

 

[Strong AI]

I am slightly unfaithful about the propulsion unit they are employing. It is not a permanent sync magnet motor but two small high speed electric motors, coupled to shaft through belts and in-plane reductors (fixed gearboxes), rather unpreferred in 21st century due to the noise it emits. But i would let the experts evaluate.

If a company offers a product for infiltration, unit insertion roles through deployment of SoF, i would expect an all silent propulsion unit. For example check Italian mini submarine designs with low rpm high torque engines, circumfentially connected to the pressure hull.

This would be a good question to ask them at the next IDEF.
Actually before every big defence fair we should make a thread for good questions to be asked and the members who will attend there should ask them.

 

[Anmdt]

This would be a good question to ask them at the next IDEF.
Actually before every big defence fair we should make a thread for good questions to be asked and the members who will attend there should ask them.

I am aware of the answers though but before all, DATUM has a long way to go, and TR has better alternatives to fund ( with the limited cash we have), such as DSRV, small to medium AUVs, UUVs and MPA - UAVs, if we had it all and only after DATUM proves the capability through physical means then let's make the Tranca;

They are following the path based on the experiences, working with local companies which has supplied the motors for CAMD, and in CAMD they also used motor / motors in similar arrangement with belt transmission, and in-plane reductors so it is a known and applied solution. Also it is a fraction of what a permasync at that size would cost. Definitely not a silent solution, but i roughly know how many people works within the company (less than a hand) and possibly none of those are experienced with acoustics (only Dr. Ozden seem to know hydroacoustics, not structure borne noise).

Also i was mistaken with the circumfential supports, similarly sized DRASS submarines were also designed with base support, only. Yet still a direct drive, ie. the motors torque and rpm directly matches to the propeller's. For whom who may wonder what this means, a bried intro to ship propulsion may be necessary.

It works well for CAMD since it is an experimental / test and training platform, whereas Tranca is not, it is an offensive platform.

To make it easier for all people to relate, imagine the difference between direct drive motor vs belt drive motors in washing machines.

 

[Anmdt]

This would be a good question to ask them at the next IDEF.
Actually before every big defence fair we should make a thread for good questions to be asked and the members who will attend there should ask them.

+ If only fairs were made to give us answers. They are there for the higher-ups.

 

[Pilatino]

Sorry for the inconvenience if this is not the right place dear moderators but application for Saha Expo 2026 is active if you guys want to visit it like me. FYI.

 

[TR_123456]

Sorry for the inconvenience if this is not the right place dear moderators but application for Saha Expo 2026 is active if you guys want to visit it like me. FYI.

The right place.

 

[Ahlatshah]

https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/ekonomi/saha-2026-gelirleriyle-81-ilde-dron-uretim-ve-egitim-merkezi-kurulacak/3917702

Keynotes:

Haluk Bayraktar says they are planning to establish drone manufacturing and training centers in all 81 provinces, making drone technology accessible throughout the country: "We’ll use the revenues from the SAHA expo to establish these centers, which will help us instantly achieve the production capacity of millions of drones nationwide at any given moment,”

Murat Ikinci, CEO of Roketsan, said Türkiye has an unmatched ecosystem made up of thousands of companies and that the Turkish defense industry represents the most dynamic supply chain. "There is no such an ecosystem in Europe, so we view Europe as a place of potential for collaborations, rather than competition,”

ASELSAN and Roketsan will promote new systems. In SAHA EXPO, more than 203 products will be introduced first time

YONGATEK is preparing to send MCU (Mini Controller Unit, essentially a small computer) components to the production. Stating that AI chip design phase level is about 70% complete

More than 140 official comittees and 8 billion USD business agreements are expected

 

[Fuzuli NL]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/2048135154145660942

For non-Turkish speakers, SAHA stands for SAvunma HAvacılık (Defence/Aviation)

 

[Fuzuli NL]

MKE will also exhibit ENFAL, TOLGA, URAN, BOZKIR, ALPAY-2, ATTILA, MALAMAN and MKE-300 BLACKOUT at SAHA 2026. April 25, 2026

​

The Machinery and Chemical Industry (MKE), a leading company in the Turkish defense industry, continues to contribute to the sector and our country by offering efficient and domestically produced products to its international business partners, primarily the Turkish Armed Forces.
Over the past week, various quantities and sizes of;

• to the Air Force Command , Penetrating Bomb (NEB)

Penetrating Bomb (PEB)

• The Turkish Land Forces Command received 20 mm cartridges, 25 mm ammunition, 81 mm mortar ammunition, and the TAMGEÇ (Minefield Clearance System).

Minefield Crossing System - TAMGEÇ

• to our defense industry partners Deliveries of MK82 Aircraft Bombs have been successfully completed in line with their needs.

MKE IS ENTERING THE FIELD WITH ITS NEW PRODUCTS! ​

MKE will participate in the SAHA-2026 Defence, Aviation and Space Industry Fair, which will be held in Istanbul between May 5-9 under the auspices of the Presidency;

The TOLGA Close Air Defense System, integrated with ENFAL-17 missiles, laser weapons, and acoustic sound detection systems,

URAN Vehicle-Mounted 105 mm Weapon System,
BOZKIR 120 mm Weapon System
ALPAY-2 Vehicle-Mounted Mine Clearing System
155 mm Vehicle-Mounted Howitzer ATTILA,
Malaman Smart Bottom Mine,

MKE will introduce numerous high-tech weapons, ammunition, and platform systems to the public for the first time, including the MKE-300 Blackout rifle.

MKE CONCLUDED DSA 2026 WITH INTENSE INTEREST AND STRONG CONTACTS! ​

At the Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA 2026), one of Asia's largest defense and national security fairs, held in Malaysia from April 20-23, MKE showcased its domestic products and solutions.

Hosted by Deputy Minister of National Defence Musa Heybet and MKE General Manager İlhami Keleş, the fair began with a visit to the MKE stand by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during which critical meetings were held.

Within the scope of DSA 2026, MKE products, especially the MKE BORAN 105 mm Light Towed Howitzer, were met with great interest by international participants.

MILITARY ACADEMY STUDENTS' VISITS TO MKE CONTINUE. ​

Students from the National Defence University's Land Forces Academy continue their visits to MKE facilities.
Over the past month, nearly 400 students have had the opportunity to get a closer look at MKE's 600-year-old manufacturing experience and visited factories where advanced weapon systems are produced.

GENDARMERIE AND COAST GUARD ACADEMY VISITS MKE. ​

Students from the Gendarmerie and Coast Guard Academy visited the MKE War Production Museum and the MKE Gazi Ammunition Factory.
During the visit, a corporate presentation was given, informing the students about MKE's activities and production capabilities.

MKE at the "Parliament Garden Children's Garden" Event ​

As part of the celebrations for the 23rd April National Sovereignty and Children's Day and the 106th anniversary of the opening of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, " Parliament Garden Children's Garden " event held at the Parliament complex. numerous children gathered at the MKE stand during the

MKE IS STRENGTHENING ITS COLLABORATIONS THROUGH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS. ​

ZAMBIAN DEFENSE MINISTER VISITS MKE.

Zambian Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma and his delegation visited MKE.
During the factory visit, the delegation examined MKE's production processes and the products developed at the factory on-site, and exchanged views on potential collaborations.
NATO REPRESENTATIVES FROM 19 COUNTRIES VISIT MKE!

As part of the NATO COMMIT Support Partnership Meeting, organized in coordination with NATO and the Ministry of National Defence, representatives from 19 countries visited MKE.

The representatives received information about MKE's high technology and end-to-end production capabilities.

https://www.savunmasanayi.org/mke-saha-2026da-enfal-tolga-uran-bozkir-alpay-2-attila-malaman-ve-mke-300-blackoutu-da-sergileyecek/