As Türkiye continues to strengthen its domestic defense industry, the Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi Kurumu (MKE) has introduced its latest innovation — the TOLGA Drone Defense System, showcased at the IDEF 2025 defense fair. Designed to provide layered protection against drone threats, TOLGA is capable of defending both fixed military bases and mobile units, offering a rapid and effective response on modern battlefields.
Equipped with advanced radars, specialized munitions, and electronic jamming systems, TOLGA delivers high-precision and fast countermeasures against various types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Layered Hard-Kill Towers Based on Threat Range
One of TOLGA’s standout features is its range-based, layered hard-kill structure, designed to engage threats at varying distances:
- Up to 3 km: 35 mm cannon
- Up to 1 km: 20 mm Gatling-type gun
- Up to 500 m: 40 mm automatic grenade launcher
- Up to 300 m: 12.7 mm rotary machine gun
This architecture allows the system to track and neutralize UAV threats effectively at different proximities. The munitions used are locally produced and specifically optimized for different threat types, ensuring high hit probability and offering a strategic advantage in reducing dependency on foreign systems.
Türkiye’s New Defense Shield Announced at IDEF 2025
Revealed to the public during the IDEF 2025 Defense Exhibition, TOLGA is MKE’s most comprehensive drone defense system to date. Fully developed with local technology, TOLGA features a modular structure, allowing integration into a variety of platforms. Beyond fixed sites and border outposts, the system can also be mounted on armored vehicles, providing mobile defense capabilities.
TOLGA has been designed not only for military use but also for the protection of critical infrastructure, including power plants, airports, and other strategic civil facilities. This dual-use capability underscores the versatility and significance of Türkiye’s defense manufacturing advancements.
Advanced Detection and Multi-Layered Response Architecture
At the heart of TOLGA lies an advanced detection and response network. With radars and EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) sensors, the system can detect approaching drone threats from up to 10 kilometers. It can simultaneously track up to 100 targets, processing the incoming data in real time to initiate appropriate countermeasures.
- Step 1: Soft-Kill — Detected threats are first engaged through electronic jamming systems, aiming to neutralize UAVs without physical destruction.
- Step 2: Hard-Kill — If the drone continues its approach, TOLGA activates its hard-kill towers based on the threat's proximity.
This multi-layered response mechanism ensures a fast, intelligent, and effective defense sequence. TOLGA is also operable in all weather conditions — day or night — thanks to its advanced sensor suite. Remote operation enables control and intervention from a safe distance, enhancing operational safety and flexibility.
A Strong, Domestic Answer to Evolving Threats
In summary, the TOLGA Drone Defense System, developed by MKE, represents a major leap in Türkiye’s defense capabilities against unmanned threats. With its fully indigenous production, modular structure, multi-layered defense model, and cutting-edge tracking and jamming technologies, TOLGA offers a versatile solution for both military and civilian applications.
From protecting facilities and fixed bases to responding in high-risk zones, TOLGA positions itself as Türkiye's new defense shield, reinforcing national security with speed, precision, and technological superiority.
