ISTANBUL, Turkey — May 6, 2026 : Turkish state-owned defence manufacturer Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi A.Ş. (MKE) has introduced three new modular components for its Tolga short-range air defence system during SAHA Expo 2026 in Istanbul, expanding the system’s layered counter-air capabilities against drones, loitering munitions, helicopters, and other low-altitude threats.
The newly presented systems include a portable acoustic detection sensor, a 20-kilowatt directed-energy laser weapon system, and the Enfal-17 short-range missile equipped with a four-tube launcher. The additions are intended to integrate into the existing Tolga architecture, which already combines radar, electronic warfare systems, electro-optical tracking sensors, and gun-based hard-kill effectors ranging from 12.7 mm to 35 mm calibres.
According to MKE, the expanded Tolga network is designed to provide a multi-layered defence structure capable of countering mini and micro unmanned aerial vehicles, tactical drones, smart munitions, cruise missiles, and helicopters through the coordinated use of soft-kill and hard-kill systems.
Acoustic Detection System Introduced for Passive Threat Tracking
Among the newly displayed systems was a lightweight tripod-mounted acoustic detection sensor intended for passive identification and tracking of aerial threats. The sensor is equipped with two visible acoustic receivers and uses digital signal processors with digitally filtered data processing to detect and classify airborne targets.
MKE stated that the sensor can detect aerial vehicles at distances ranging from 100 metres to 1,500 metres, depending on the target’s size and acoustic signature. Once a target is identified, the system transmits detection information, target classification data, and its precise GPS location to the command post through radio-frequency communication links.
The sensor has an operational mass of 2.7 kilograms excluding the tripod and is designed for sustained forward deployment. Its battery system supports continuous operation for between 10 and 12 days without replacement or recharge.
The passive acoustic system is intended to supplement Tolga’s radar and electro-optical tracking network, particularly against low-signature aerial threats operating at low altitude or in electronically contested environments.
20 kW Laser Weapon Adds Directed-Energy Capability
MKE also unveiled a new Laser Weapon System designed for use against aerial, land, and naval targets. The directed-energy weapon generates a combined output of 20 kilowatts through four separate 5 kW fibre laser modules integrated into a single turreted platform.
The system provides different operational effects depending on target range and energy concentration. According to specifications released by MKE, the laser can temporarily dazzle enemy optical systems at distances between 4,500 and 2,500 metres, causing short-term blackout effects.
At ranges between 2,500 and 1,500 metres, the laser is capable of permanently blinding optical sensors and rendering enemy effectors inoperable. Within engagement distances of 1,500 to 1,000 metres, the system can physically destroy incoming threats by maintaining continuous laser illumination for several seconds to transfer sufficient thermal energy onto the target.
To maintain accurate tracking against moving targets, the turret uses linear motors designed to provide the angular speed, acceleration, and precision required for sustained target illumination. The mount offers continuous 360-degree rotation with elevation movement from -30 degrees to +90 degrees.
The laser weapon system measures 1,550 mm in width, 2,250 mm in length, and 1,850 mm in height. MKE did not disclose the total system weight or power-pack specifications, though repeated firing cycles are expected to depend heavily on the supporting energy supply unit integrated with the platform.
The introduction of the laser weapon adds a directed-energy hard-kill layer to the Tolga system, complementing existing kinetic interceptors and electronic warfare systems.
Enfal-17 Missile Designed for Drone and Helicopter Intercepts
The third major addition to the Tolga network is the Enfal-17 missile system, developed by MKE as a low-cost interceptor for aerial threats including Shahed-type loitering munitions, stand-off weapons, and attack helicopters.
Named after the 17th verse of the Quran’s Al-Anfal Surah, the Enfal-17 is a 70 mm calibre missile measuring 1.85 metres in length. The missile uses an electro-optical seeker for terminal guidance and carries a fragmentation warhead equipped with a proximity fuse. MKE has not released details regarding the warhead’s lethal radius.
According to company specifications, the missile can engage targets at altitudes reaching up to 30,000 feet. MKE described the Enfal-17 as a cost-effective interceptor estimated to be approximately eight times less expensive than comparable systems in its class.
At SAHA Expo 2026, the missile launcher was displayed mounted on a commercial Ford Ranger Wildtrak pickup platform, indicating a relatively lightweight turret and launcher assembly suitable for mobile deployment. The launcher uses a four-tube configuration and, similar to the laser system, provides continuous 360-degree rotation with elevation movement between -30 and +90 degrees.
Tolga Air Defence Architecture Continues Expansion
The Tolga short-range air defence system was originally developed as a layered counter-drone and low-altitude defence platform integrating radar, electronic warfare, and gun systems. Previous configurations relied heavily on 12.7 mm airburst ammunition alongside electronic jamming systems.
MKE stated that Tolga has previously demonstrated a 100 percent success rate during live-fire drone interception trials involving both soft-kill jamming and hard-kill gun engagements.
The system integrates the GÖKBÖRÜ active electronically scanned array radar for detection and tracking at ranges of approximately 10 kilometres. Additional electro-optical and infrared sensors provide target identification and precision tracking functions, while the command-and-control unit fuses information from all connected sensors to prioritise threats and assign the appropriate response method.
Tolga is available in both fixed-site and vehicle-mounted mobile configurations.
Export Interest and International Cooperation
During SAHA Expo 2026, MKE presented more than 50 new defence products across multiple categories. The company also signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary-based HT Division for the integration of Tolga systems onto unmanned ground vehicles.
The Tolga system has already attracted export interest. MKE confirmed that Egypt signed a contract valued at approximately $130 million for the system, while Qatar has also received the first export delivery.
The integration of the new acoustic sensor, directed-energy laser system, and Enfal-17 missile expands the Tolga architecture into a broader layered air defence solution capable of engaging low-signature drones and aerial threats through passive detection, electronic warfare, kinetic interceptors, and directed-energy engagements within a single integrated network.
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