Prof. Dr Bulent Çakmak, Rector of Erzurum Technical University (ETU), visited the SAHA 2026 International Defence, Aviation and Space Industry Fair—one of the largest defence, aviation and space industry events in Turkey and Europe—and met with representatives from leading companies in the sector.
During SAHA 2026, held at the Istanbul Exhibition Centre and attended by numerous domestic and international companies, Rector Çakmak held discussions with representatives of leading organisations operating in the defence industry to explore opportunities for university-industry collaboration. During the fair, discussions focused particularly on internship opportunities for students, practical training programmes, technical visit schemes and employment prospects for graduates.
During his visit, Rector Çakmak inspected the stands of numerous technology firms, gathering information on the current state of domestic and national defence technologies, whilst also holding discussions aimed at developing stronger partnerships between ETU’s engineering and technology-focused academic expertise and the industry. Rector Çakmak also met with TUBITAK President Prof. Dr Orhan Aydın to exchange views on potential joint initiatives in university-industry collaboration, scientific research and technology development processes.
Following the visit, Rector Prof. Dr Bulent Çakmak commented, highlighting that the defence industry is a strategic sector in terms of high-tech production and skilled human resources: “We attach great importance to our students gaining industry experience alongside their theoretical knowledge. During the meetings we held as part of SAHA 2026, we engaged in productive discussions regarding internship opportunities for our students, practical training processes and potential for joint projects. As ETU, we aim to strengthen our partnerships with leading companies operating in the defence industry and to better equip our young people for the technologies of the future,” he said.
Corporate Communications and Public Relations Directorate 11 May 2026
