MKE has introduced its new 20 kW Laser Weapon System, integrated into the TOLGA Short-Range Air Defense System, marking a new step in Türkiye’s directed-energy defense capabilities.
The system was unveiled at SAHA EXPO 2026 in Istanbul as part of MKE’s expanding layered air defense concept. Developed against the changing aerial threats of the modern battlefield, the laser weapon joins TOLGA’s existing architecture alongside acoustic detection systems, electronic warfare components, anti-drone ammunition, gun systems and the ENFAL-17 missile.
MKE’s TOLGA system is designed to counter threats such as mini and micro UAVs, tactical drones, smart munitions and cruise missiles. The official TOLGA architecture combines detection, tracking and neutralization capabilities under a single command-and-control structure.
Three Mission Modes for the Laser Weapon
The new Laser Weapon System produces 20 kW of fiber laser power, generated through a 4×5 kW configuration.
Integrated into the TOLGA air defense system, the laser can perform three different missions against detected aerial threats:
| Range | Effect |
|---|---|
| 4,500–2,500 m | Dazzling: temporarily blinds enemy optical sensors |
| 2,500–1,500 m | Blinding: creates permanent optical damage on the target |
| 1,500–100 m | Destruction: damages and neutralizes the threat body |
The system is designed to provide continuous, precise and low-cost engagement against targets that require rapid reaction. This makes it especially relevant for counter-drone missions, where using expensive missiles against low-cost threats can create an unsustainable cost imbalance.
Linear Motor Turret for Precision Tracking
The laser weapon is mounted on a turret developed with linear motor technology, which converts electrical energy directly into motion.
This structure allows the system to track detected threats with high precision, acceleration and speed. The turret also provides 360-degree rotation, enabling the laser to engage threats from different directions.
Precision tracking is critical for laser systems because the beam must remain focused on the target for a certain period to create the desired effect.
TOLGA’s Layered Defense Structure
TOLGA was developed to protect critical facilities, land units, moving convoys, bases, campuses and naval platforms against low-altitude air threats.
According to MKE’s official data, the system provides layered protection through different components:
| Component | Engagement / Detection Range |
|---|---|
| Mobile radar, electro-optical system and jammer | Up to 10,000 m |
| 35 mm TOLGA Weapon System | Up to 3,000 m |
| 20 mm TOLGA Weapon System | Up to 1,000 m |
| 12.7 mm TOLGA Weapon Systems | Up to 300 m |
The system can operate in both soft-kill and hard-kill scenarios. In soft-kill missions, hostile drones can be detected and neutralized through electronic jamming. In hard-kill missions, drone and fixed-wing UAV threats can be physically destroyed using different gun systems and MKE-developed anti-drone ammunition.
Strategic Importance
The addition of a laser weapon gives TOLGA a more flexible and cost-effective engagement layer.
Against small UAVs and low-cost aerial threats, directed-energy systems can offer advantages such as low cost per shot, fast reaction time, deep magazine potential and precise engagement.
By integrating laser, missile, gun, electronic warfare and acoustic detection elements into the same architecture, MKE is turning TOLGA into a more comprehensive short-range air defense solution for Türkiye’s layered air defense needs.
The system is expected to contribute to the protection of critical facilities, military units, convoys and naval platforms against the growing threat of drones and low-altitude aerial systems.
