ANKARA, — Turkish state-owned defense manufacturer Makina ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE) has destroyed a drone at a distance of 760 meters using its new 20-kilowatt (kW) fiber laser during the Ateş Serbest-2026 live-fire exercises in Polatlı, west of Ankara.
MKE announced the test on X on October 13, releasing video footage of the laser turret engaging the target. The system uses a dedicated electro-optical sensor to detect and track targets before directing the laser beam.
TOLGA LAZER SİLAH SİSTEMİ ATEŞ SERBEST’TE “YAKICI” GÜCÜNÜ GÖSTERDİ! 🔥 Yakın hava savunma sistemimiz MKE TOLGA’nın yeni oyuncusu 20 kW Fiber Lazer Silah Sistemi, Polatlı’da gerçekleştirilen Ateş Serbest-2026 Faaliyeti’nde 760 metre mesafedeki dron hedefini tam isabetle imha etti. MKE Lazer Silah Sistemi, sergilediği bu kabiliyetle yakın hava, kara ve deniz tehditlerine karşı geliştirilen yüksek etkili savunma teknolojilerindeki yetkinliğini sahada ortaya koydu. Asırlık tecrübemiz ve millî gücümüzle geleceğin savunma teknolojilerini inşa etmeye devam ediyoruz. 🇹🇷 @tcsavunma #MillîGüçMKE 🦾🚀🇹🇷
— MKE (@MKEgovtr) October 13, 2026
Laser Engagement Range and Capabilities
The 20kW laser, developed for MKE's TOLGA close-in air defense system, combines four 5kW laser units. Its engagement capabilities vary by distance:
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2,500–4,500 meters: Dazzles and disrupts drone cameras and optical sensors.
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1,500–2,500 meters: Blinds optical and targeting systems.
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100–1,500 meters: Physically destroys drones by concentrating heat on critical components, including motors, wiring and structural elements.
The 760-meter engagement falls within the system's stated physical-destruction range. MKE has described the laser module as domestically developed using its own research and development infrastructure and national resources.
Integration With the TOLGA Air Defense System
TOLGA is a modular short-range air defense and counter-drone system designed to address mini and micro UAVs, tactical drones, smart munitions and cruise missiles. Its architecture includes radar, electro-optical sensors, electronic jammers, 12.7mm, 20mm and 35mm guns with specialized anti-drone ammunition, the ENFAL interceptor missile and an acoustic detection system. Detection range can reach up to 10 kilometers in the stated configuration.
The laser is integrated into the system's detection, tracking and command-and-control infrastructure. MKE follows an engineering philosophy described as “Effective, Simple, Cheap” (EBU), with laser weapons offering a potential cost advantage against large numbers of low-cost drones because each engagement primarily consumes electricity rather than conventional ammunition or an interceptor missile.
Part of Türkiye's Layered Air Defense Network
Türkiye is also developing directed-energy systems such as ASELSAN's GÖKBERK and Roketsan's ALKA. These technologies support the country's Steel Dome air defense network, which combines lasers, electronic jammers, guns and missiles to protect military bases, troops and civilian areas.
Ateş Serbest is an annual live-fire demonstration held at the General Nahit Şenoğul Firing and Exercise Area. The 2026 event began on September 1 and is scheduled to run until October 22, with Distinguished Observer Day set for October 15.
The 760-meter interception demonstrates the TOLGA laser's ability to destroy a drone within its stated engagement range. MKE has not provided further details in the supplied announcement about performance under different weather conditions or sustained operational use.
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