ROKETSAN and FNSS showcased the ALKA–KAPLAN Hybrid Directed Energy Weapon System at the Istanbul Expo Center, presenting an optionally manned and autonomous ground-based solution against drones, loitering munitions and asymmetric battlefield threats.
The system was first introduced at IDEF 2025 and returned to the spotlight at SAHA EXPO 2026 with additional capabilities. It combines ROKETSAN’s ALKA Directed Energy Weapon System with FNSS’s KAPLAN Hybrid platform, creating a mobile counter-drone and directed-energy defense solution.
Soft-Kill and Hard-Kill in One Platform
ALKA–KAPLAN Hybrid DEWS is designed to counter fixed-wing and rotary-wing mini/micro UAVs, drone swarms, loitering munitions, improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance.
The system combines three key layers:
| Capability | Function |
|---|---|
| AI-supported detection and tracking | Detects and prioritizes threats |
| Electromagnetic jamming | Provides soft-kill neutralization |
| Laser engagement | Provides hard-kill destruction |
This layered approach allows the system to detect, track, disrupt and destroy different types of low-cost aerial threats without relying only on conventional ammunition.
Hybrid Platform for High-Energy Missions
The KAPLAN Hybrid platform provides the mobility and energy infrastructure required by ALKA.
Its hybrid power architecture supports both vehicle mobility and high-energy mission systems without requiring an additional generator. This gives the platform silent driving capability, longer mission endurance and greater operational flexibility.
The system can be used in manned, optionally manned or autonomous configurations. This makes it suitable for high-risk areas where reducing personnel exposure is a priority.
Integrated Battlefield Architecture
ALKA–KAPLAN Hybrid Autonomous is more than a carrier vehicle fitted with a laser system.
Its modular architecture combines mobility, sensors, energy management, network-enabled operations, decision-support mechanisms and effectors under a single platform. This allows it to operate as an integrated battlefield solution capable of sensing, deciding and engaging.
The system can be adapted to different mission scenarios and deployed in fixed, portable or mobile configurations depending on operational requirements.
Strategic Importance
The launch of ALKA–KAPLAN Hybrid DEWS reflects the growing importance of directed-energy systems in modern land warfare.
Drone swarms, loitering munitions and low-cost aerial threats are creating new challenges for ground forces. Conventional air defense systems remain essential, but they can be costly against cheap and numerous targets.
By combining electromagnetic jamming, laser-based hard kill and autonomous mobility, ALKA–KAPLAN offers a cost-effective and flexible layer for protecting military units, bases, critical facilities and maneuver forces.
With this system, ROKETSAN and FNSS are positioning Türkiye among the countries developing mobile directed-energy solutions for the next generation of battlefield air defense.
