Türkiye MKE Positions as Integrated Defense Supplier with Artillery and Naval Systems.

Türkiye is positioning itself as a full-spectrum defense supplier, showcasing at DSA 2026 its ability to deliver integrated artillery, air defense, and naval firepower solutions. This matters because countries seeking rapid force modernization can source complete, interoperable weapon and ammunition packages from a single provider, reducing dependency and improving operational readiness.

MKE demonstrated end-to-end control over design, production, and sustainment across munitions ranging from small arms to heavy artillery and aerial ordnance. This vertical integration supports sustained combat operations, strengthens supply resilience, and aligns with a broader shift toward self-reliant defense ecosystems and scalable firepower.

Related Topic: Malaysia Showcases Defense Industry Growth and Land Warfare Capabilities 

Designed for mobility, BORAN weighs around 1,700 kilograms and can deploy, fire, and reposition in under one minute (Picture source: Army Recognition)

This industrial structure includes nearly one thousand product types and control over the entire production chain, from chemical processes to final assembly. Such an approach allows integration of newer technologies while maintaining independence over key components. At DSA 2026, this translated into a multi-domain offering including land systems, counter-drone solutions and naval unmanned capabilities aligned with current operational requirements.

Among the systems presented, the BORAN 105 mm lightweight howitzer was a central element. Designed for mobility, BORAN weighs around 1,700 kilograms and can deploy, fire and reposition in under one minute. This reduces exposure to counter-battery fire in contested environments. The system can be towed by light vehicles or transported by helicopter, enabling deployment across varied terrain.

In terms of performance, BORAN demonstrated the ability to fire 12 rounds in 40 seconds during trials conducted in Malaysia, indicating a high rate of fire for its class. Its fully electronic and automated fire control system supports targeting accuracy by reducing circular error probable (CEP) while accelerating engagement cycles. The howitzer has completed NATO qualification tests and has been in service with the Turkish Armed Forces since 2021, including reported operational use.

MKE also indicated that it provides lifecycle support, including maintenance, upgrades, and localization options for partner countries. This aligns with procurement trends where industrial cooperation and technology transfer are key factors, particularly in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

In parallel, the company presented the TOLGA counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS), developed in response to the increasing use of drones observed in recent conflicts, including Ukraine and the Middle East. The system integrates Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars capable of detecting and tracking targets with low radar signatures.

TOLGA combines soft-kill and hard-kill approaches. Its electronic warfare component includes jamming systems designed to disrupt communication and navigation signals. However, against threats such as fiber-optic controlled drones that are resistant to jamming, the system relies on kinetic interception. This is carried out using 35 mm, 20 mm and 12.7 mm weapon systems firing specialized programmable ammunition that creates fragmentation patterns in front of the target.

The 35 mm system can reach firing rates of approximately 1,000 rounds per minute, allowing engagement of multiple targets. In addition, TOLGA integrates other effectors including lasers, microwave systems, rockets with ranges up to eight kilometers, and interceptor elements. These are coordinated through a centralized command-and-control system capable of automated engagement without direct human input.

This architecture allows configurations to be adapted depending on the operational context, whether for fixed site protection or mobile units. Live-fire demonstrations have been conducted in Türkiye in front of international observers, and further trials are planned. Discussions are ongoing with countries including Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia regarding local production arrangements.

In the naval domain, MKE introduced the Pirana kamikaze unmanned surface vessel (USV). The system is designed with a low radar cross-section and radar-absorbing materials, reducing detectability in contested maritime environments. It can be controlled via satellite links, naval units or land-based control stations, providing flexibility in deployment.

Pirana carries an explosive payload of approximately 100 kilograms and is intended to strike critical areas of naval targets such as propulsion systems. Its guidance system supports precise terminal engagement, including autonomous targeting functions based on artificial intelligence. In addition, it can deploy loitering munitions aimed at disabling sensors, antennas and radar systems.

Operational use is based on swarm tactics, where multiple units are employed to saturate defensive systems while others conduct targeted strikes. This reflects developments observed in unmanned warfare and indicates a shift toward distributed naval strike capabilities. The system has completed testing and is being integrated into the Turkish Naval Forces inventory.

Overall, the systems presented by MKE at DSA 2026 reflect an approach focused on multi-domain integration, mobility, and adaptation to evolving threats.