TOLGA SHORAD System and Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition Family Enter Service with the Turkish Armed Forces!

The 105mm, 30-caliber lightweight towed howitzer BORAN, notable for its low weight and high mobility, has already been exported. Under agreements signed in 2024 and 2025, 18 units were delivered to Bangladesh and 6 units to North Macedonia, respectively. Should the ongoing negotiations with Saudi Arabia conclude positively, 42 BORAN Howitzers are expected to enter the inventory of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces. Meanwhile, following the pilot batch production of 7 BORAN howitzers for the Turkish Armed Forces (one of which has been put into service for training purposes at the Artillery and Missile School Command in Polatlı, while the remaining six have been deployed in active operational areas), the serial production of 114 BORAN Howitzers has also commenced. Integrated with the Fire Control System provided by ASELSAN, BORAN Howitzer deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026 and continue over a multi-year timeline. Work is also ongoing on vehicle-mounted and open-breech configurations of the BORAN system. Although conventional 105mm artillery rounds can be fired from BORAN, utilizing its range potential beyond 17 km requires a special type of ammunition for extended-range performance. In this context, MKE has designed and produced a 105mm base-bleed extended-range munition, with firing tests successfully completed. In this context, a 105mm base-bleed long-range ammunition has been designed and manufactured by MKE, and its test firings have been successfully completed. The serial production of 105mm base-bleed rounds is planned to begin in near future.

During WDS 2026, MKE also signed a series of Memoranda of Understandings (MoU) on February 10, 2026, with Saudi-based local companies for the joint production and sale of the TOLGA SHORAD System, 122mm Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) munitions, as well as explosive raw materials and energetic materials used in ammunition production. The agreement signed with Al Talbiah covers the joint production of the TOLGA SHORAD System and 122mm MLRS munitions in Saudi Arabia through technology transfer, while the agreement signed with Saudi Chemical Company Limited focuses on the joint production and sale of explosive raw materials and energetic substances used in ammunition manufacturing. Meanwhile, in line with a previous agreement with Saudi Arabian Military Industries, MKE continues its efforts to establish cartridge case and small-caliber ammunition production lines in Saudi Arabia. Within this scope, MKE will supply the necessary equipment for the installation of the lines, while Turkish engineers will provide technical support throughout the production process.

The TOLGA SHORAD system has reached a strategic threshold within MKE’s export portfolio. Following a MoU signed on 19 January 2026 with Qatar-based Barzan Holding, and a subsequent contract signed with the Egyptian Ministry of Defense on 5 February 2026, the system secured its third export success within one month with Saudi Arabia. These developments have reinforced the system’s operational effectiveness, sustainable export capacity, and competitiveness in the global market. Although the initial package value of the TOLGA SHORAD System sale to Egypt is $130 Million, this figure is expected to reach $350 Million with follow-on packages and eventually rise to $900 Million in the longer term. As of March 2026, MKE has signed contracts with Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia for the TOLGA SHORAD System and is also evaluating joint production and local manufacturing models in various regions, particularly in the Baltic states. 

MKE’s senior management anticipates that, following the commencement of serial production, the export revenue generated solely from TOLGA SHORAD System sales within a one-year period could match the company’s entire turnover in 2025. Meanwhile, the TOLGA SHORAD System is also in the process of entering the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces. At the Defense Industry Executive Committee meeting held on February 18, 2026, approval was granted for its induction into the inventories of the Turkish Land Forces, Naval Forces, and Air Forces. The TOLGA SHORAD System will initially enter service with the Turkish Land Forces, while the process of obtaining a NATO Stock Number (NSN) for the product is ongoing.

MKE first showcased its TOLGA Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) System, developed in response to the increasingly growing drone threat, under the name TOLGA Drone Defense System (DDS) at IDEF 2025. Offering an integrated, layered, and scalable solution against drone threats, the MKE TOLGA SHORAD System provides an end-to-end defense capability against hostile UAVs. The system comprises its own Command and Control Center (capable of controlling up to six separate weapon systems simultaneously), Radar systems (MKE GÖKBÖRÜ AESA Radar Family), weapon systems in various calibers (12.7mm to 35mm), the specially developed TOLGA Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition Family, and a Jammer System.

Developed with the ‘Effective-Simple-Affordable (ESA)’ concept, the system provides effective protection against threats such as UAVs, tactical drones (both electro-optical and fiber-optic guided), smart munitions, and cruise missiles through both soft-kill (functional neutralization) and hard-kill (kinetic destruction) methods. Thanks to its modular architecture, the system can be integrated into fixed installations, mobile platforms, and land and naval vehicles, making it an attractive solution for a wide range of operational concepts.

Operationally, real-time data obtained from the mobile radar station is first transmitted to the Soft-Kill Jammer Station (users may integrate their own RF jammer solution if desired). Enemy drones within a range of 10,000 meters are initially neutralized with electronic jamming, followed by layered engagement: up to 3,000 meters with the 35mm TOLGA Revolver Remote Controlled Weapon System, up to 1,000 meters with the 20 mm turret, up to 500 meters with the 40mm turret, and up to 300 meters with the 12.7 mm turret, thereby providing layered protection. The TOLGA Fragmented Anti-Drone Ammunition Family provides a cost advantage by eliminating the need for complex electronic fuzes. These munitions disperse ahead of the target, forming a cloud of steel fragments that significantly increases the probability of neutralization.

As part of Türkiye’s multi-layered integrated air defense system ÇELİK KUBBE (Steel Dome) architecture, TOLGA SHORAD constitutes the very low-altitude air defense layer. In the near future, it is planned to integrate directed energy weapons such as ROKETSAN ALKA, as well as High-Power Electromagnetic (HPEM) countermeasure systems. Field tests for both systems are expected to be conducted prior to SAHA EXPO 2026.

According to an MKE official I had the opportunity to speak with at the World Defense Show 2026, during the first live-fire tests conducted in Konya Karapınar, the TOLGA SHORAD System achieved a 100% success rate against a total of eight different threat scenarios, including fixed-wing UAVs, FPV drones, and various simulated attack profiles. The tests successfully combined electronic warfare at approximately 3 km with multi-layered kinetic engagements. Observed by representatives from the Turkish Armed Forces, various security institutions, and a delegation from the United States, these trials validated the system’s maturity and paved the way for serial production as well as initial export successes to countries such as Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

The TOLGA Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition Family, comprising 12. mm, 20 mm, 35 mm, and 40 mm calibers, is designed to detonate at the optimum time and distance to create a dense cloud of metallic fragments around the target. This “fragment cloud” significantly increases hit probability, particularly against targets with small radar cross-sections and can perform evasive maneuvers. According to MKE officials, these munitions are sold exclusively as part of the TOLGA SHORAD system package and is not offered as a standalone product.

The 12.7 × 90 mm (.50 cal) and 20 × 102 mm NATO fragmentation rounds, produced by the Gazi Cartridge Factory, are ready for serial production. These rounds are used in the TOLGA SHORAD System’s 12.7 mm QCB and Gatling-type weapon systems, as well as the 20 mm Revolver Weapon System. Additionally, the 40 mm anti-drone munition was introduced in the field some time ago and continues to undergo further development. Also produced by the Gazi Cartridge Factory, 40 mm anti-drone munition is effective against drone threats up to a range of 500 meters and is compatible with both the TOLGA turret and under-barrel or drum-type grenade launchers.

The 12.7 mm Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition features a copper jacket and a mechanical fuze (instead of an electronic fuze) that detonates the munition at a predetermined distance from the target, dispersing five metal pellets. According to MKE officials, firing tests conducted at the Gazi Cartridge Factory successfully demonstrated the munition’s capability to neutralize a one-way attack drone similar to the Shahed 136 with the fragment cloud effect. The Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition can be used against drone/UAV threats at ranges of up to 300 meters for the 12.7 mm variant, 1,000 meters for the 20 mm variant, and 3,000 meters for the 35 mm variant. As of February 2026, MKE has completed the live-fire testing and qualification processes for the 12.7 mm and 20 mm variants. The 35mm version (also designed without an electronic fuze) has completed its development phase, and live-fire tests are expected to be conducted soon at Karapınar Test Range.

12.7 × 90 mm (.50 cal) Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition

Providing an effective defense solution against drones and UAVs at ranges of up to 300 meters, the 12.7 mm Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition is compatible with both 12.7 mm M2 QCB machine guns and MKE’s 12.7 mm Gatling gun system. Thanks to its specially developed explosive filling, this round neutralizes targets while minimizing collateral damage.

Specifically designed to counter UAVs and stated to have no equivalent in the world, the 12.7 mm Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition offers high performance, superior accuracy, a wide area of effect, and high reliability against drone/UAV threats. The 12.7 × 90 mm (.50 cal) Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition has a muzzle velocity of 880 m/s and an effective range of 300 meters.

20 × 102 mm NATO Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition

Compatible with weapon systems operating in the NATO-standard 20 × 102 mm caliber, the 20 mm Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition provides a high rate of fire and substantial firepower thanks to its belt-fed capability. The tracer element located at the rear of the projectile allows the user to observe the projectile’s trajectory during firing.

Upon detonation of the explosive filling, the projectile jacket fragments into numerous high-energy shrapnel particles. In this process, at least 15 fragments strike the target with high kinetic energy, creating effective damage. Thanks to burst-fire capability and the munition’s staggered airburst timing, dense fragment clouds can be generated at distances of up to 1,000 meters. Equipped with a pyrotechnic delay function, the 20 mm Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition has a muzzle velocity of 920 m/s.

35mm Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition

The 35mm Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition is stated to be significantly more cost-effective compared to the 35 × 228 mm ATOM programmable airburst ammunition, for which MKE Ammunition Factory also undertakes substantial production responsibility. Unlike ATOM, the 35 mm Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition does not incorporate a programmable electronic fuze, precise timing computation, or muzzle velocity correction-based time programming capability. According to product data published by ASELSAN, the next-generation, spin-stabilized, tail-fuzed 35 mm ATOM Anti-Personnel/Anti-UAV Intense Airburst Munition (IABM) is effective up to 5 km against infantry and up to 2 km against mini/micro-UAVs. While the unit cost of a single 35 mm ATOM round is cited at approximately USD 1,000, MKE officials at the WDS 2026 emphasized that the unit cost of the 35 mm Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition is significantly lower. The twin-barrel 35mm GDF-003 guns used in the KORKUT system and the 35 mm Towed Gun System are capable of firing 550 rounds per barrel/per minute, totaling 1,100 rounds per minute. If all rounds were ATOM munitions, the total firing cost for one minute would exceed $1 Million. Each ATOM round contains 160 cylindrical tungsten fragments.

The MKE Ammunition Factory has been producing 35 × 228mm high-explosive (HE), and training/ practice ammunition for approximately 40 years and also plays a major role in 35mm ATOM production. While ASELSAN is the main contractor for the project, the primary production components are supplied by MKE. The two electronic modules located in the tail-fuze are procured from ASELSAN, while all other elements, including pyrotechnics, fuze, propellant, primer, cartridge case, and projectile, are manufactured by MKE. Tungsten fragments are sourced from domestic suppliers and integrated into the munition, with final assembly also carried out by MKE.

35mm Revolver Gun System

First introduced as a full-scale mock-up at SAHA EXPO 2024 and later exhibited at IDEF 2025 both as a standalone weapon system and as part of the TOLGA Drone Defense System (DDS), the 35 mm Revolver Gun System project is currently under development. The project aims to deliver the firepower of existing 35 mm twin-barrel Oerlikon GDF-001 and GDF-003 systems (currently produced by MKE and already in service with the Turkish Armed Forces), in a more compact design while also introducing enhanced capabilities to the 35 mm weapon system. Thanks to the revolver-type mechanism, the system is designed to reduce the overall volume of the weapon system, thereby enabling more compact solutions, particularly in turret-to-platform integrations.

Upon completion of the project, Türkiye will become one of the few countries in the world capable of producing a 35mm Revolver Gun System. The 35 mm Revolver Remote Controlled Weapon System is being developed for integration onto mobile platforms such as tracked or tactical wheeled armored vehicles, as well as for the protection of fixed strategic assets, thereby contributing to the defence capabilities of modern armed forces. The prototype production is planned to be completed by May 2026. While the system bears structural and visual similarities to the Rheinmetall 35 × 228 mm KDG Revolver Gun System (used in Skyranger, Skynex, and Millennium Air Defence Systems), it also incorporates a number of unique design features, such as a five-round drum instead of four. The system offers an adjustable rate of fire between 200 and 1,000 rounds per minute depending on the target set and can be equipped with an optional muzzle brake. The MKE 35mm Revolver Gun System has been designed with a maximum hard-mount recoil force not exceeding 68 kN. Initial live-fire tests of the system, which is capable of engaging both land and aerial targets, are expected to be completed prior to the SAHA EXPO 2026.

Capable of reaching rates of fire up to 1,500 rounds per minute (adjustable between 1 and 1,500 rounds per minute), the MKE TOLGA 35mm Revolver Gun System provide high fire density with a 3,000-meter effective range. The system is equipped with an electro-optical sensor suite, automatic target detection, and ballistic computation capabilities. The integrated E/O sensor package includes a daylight camera, infrared (IR) thermal camera, laser rangefinder, and an advanced video tracking system, delivering high level of situational awareness to the operator. In this way, the system evolves beyond a purely kinetic solution into a sensor-fused weapon platform that combines target detection, tracking, and precision engagement capabilities.

Conclusion

From a doctrinal perspective, the three-layered architecture designed for the TOLGA SHORAD system represents a coherent and integrated air defense framework. The 12.7 mm Fragmentation Anti-Drone Ammunition provides a last-line, low-cost close-in protection capability, while 20mm systems establish a balance between volume of fire and area coverage. The 35 mm TOLGA Revolver Gun System enables longer-range engagements with enhanced precision and sensor integration at the upper layer. This layered structure addresses a broad spectrum of threats, ranging from low-cost commercial drones to more advanced and highly maneuverable aerial targets, while optimizing resource utilization and increasing engagement effectiveness. Ultimately, this layered architecture reflects the evolving trend in modern air defense toward scalable kinetic solutions capable of adapting to increasingly diverse and asymmetric aerial threats.