The GÖKDENİZ close-in air defense system onboard the Philippine Navy’s BRP Miguel Malvar warship stood out during the Balikatan 41-2026 exercise.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with units from the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada, launched a large-scale naval exercise in the West Philippine Sea. As part of Balikatan 41-2026, the Multilateral Maritime Event (MME), held between April 20 and May 1, tested the operational capabilities of allied forces.
The Philippines participated in the exercise with some of the most modern vessels in its inventory, including the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6) and BRP Antonio Luna (FFG15) frigates, along with AW159 and AW109 helicopters.
The United States joined the exercise with USS Ashland and USCGC Midgett, while Japan supported the drills with JS Ikazuchi, JS Shimokita, and JS Ise. Australia took part with HMAS Toowoomba, and Canada participated with HMCS Charlottetown and MV Asterix.
GÖKDENİZ Stands Out in the Exercise
According to a report by ABS-CBN News, one of the most notable phases of the exercise was the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) training, where BRP Miguel Malvar, one of the Philippine Navy’s most modern warships, played a key role.
The GÖKDENİZ close-in air defense system installed on the vessel demonstrated its capability to provide full protection against aerial threats with its 1,100 rounds-per-minute rate of fire and 360-degree rotating turret structure.
The Philippines had selected the GÖKDENİZ close-in air defense system for its Miguel Malvar-class frigates. The system is expected to serve on two Miguel Malvar-class vessels.
In the previous period, ASELSAN delivered the GÖKDENİZ systems to South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the main contractor of the project. The systems were later observed installed onboard the vessels.
Throughout the exercise, allied forces conducted high-complexity operational activities such as anti-submarine warfare exercises (CASEX), air defense operations (ADEX IAMD), naval gunfire exercises (GUNNEX), and replenishment at sea (RAS).
These coordinated activities aim to strengthen interoperability among regional and allied forces while contributing to regional stability.
GÖKDENİZ Close-In Air Defense System
GÖKDENİZ is a point defense system that uses 35 mm Airburst Ammunition, known as ATOM. The system is capable of destroying anti-ship missiles targeting the vessel on which it is installed.
Thanks to its Automatic Linkless Ammunition Feeding Mechanism, the system can load both airburst ammunition and conventional high-explosive incendiary ammunition at the same time. The desired ammunition type can then be selected according to the target.
GÖKDENİZ is equipped with a stabilized gun turret. Its Integrated Tracking Platform, which includes a Fire Control Radar and electro-optical sensors, enables precise target tracking. In addition to this platform, a 3D Search Radar can also be integrated as an optional feature.
The system’s 35 mm KDC-02 twin-barrel gun provides high firepower with a rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute.
GÖKDENİZ can effectively support ship defense not only against anti-ship missiles but also against helicopters, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and surface threats.
With these capabilities, the GÖKDENİZ close-in weapon system continues to attract attention in the international market. It has become a preferred defense solution for naval forces in different countries, including the Philippines, and stands out as one of Türkiye’s notable naval air defense exports.
