The 20 kW Fibre Laser Weapon System added by MKE to its close-in air defence systems family demonstrated its field performance for the first time during the Ateş Serbest-2026 activity held in Polatlı. Described as the new member of the MKE TOLGA family, the system destroyed a drone target at a distance of 760 metres with pinpoint accuracy. According to MKE's statement, the laser weapon system demonstrated in the field its competence in high-impact defence technologies developed against close-in air, land and sea threats.
Why Do Laser Weapon Systems Stand Out?
Laser weapon systems offer two critical advantages compared with air defence systems using conventional munitions. First, no munitions are consumed per shot; because the system runs on electrical energy, the cost per shot is very low. Second, because laser light reaches the target at the speed of light, there is no timing problem in engaging moving targets. These advantages make laser systems a particularly cost-effective solution against drone threats. Since downing low-cost commercial drones with million-dollar missiles is unsustainable both economically and logistically, laser-based close-in air defence systems have been spreading rapidly worldwide in recent years.
Proven in the Field at Ateş Serbest-2026
Ateş Serbest-2026 is among the Turkish Armed Forces' annual firing and exercise activities. The MKE TOLGA laser system's successful strike on the drone target during this activity indicates that the system has reached a level of maturity close to operational use.
In its statement, MKE said: "With our century of experience and our national strength, we continue to build the defence technologies of the future." The MKE TOLGA family had previously come to the fore with gun-based air defence systems. With the addition of the laser weapon system, the family has attained a multi-layered structure capable of responding to both kinetic and directed-energy-based threats.
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