Turkey develops laser defense systems for drones and aircraft

Turkey is advancing its laser-based defense capabilities to protect aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) is developing the ANKA-III drone, which is expected to be equipped with a Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system to defend against infrared-guided missiles. The Turkish armed forces have reportedly ordered 80 ANKA-III drones, with the first deliveries anticipated in 2027.

Additionally, the Turkish company MKE successfully demonstrated the Tolga anti-drone system during the Ateş Serbest-2026 exercises. The demonstration featured the successful destruction of a quadcopter drone at a distance of 760 meters using a quadruple fiber laser module with a total power of 20 kW. The Tolga system offers three operational modes: blinding targets at distances up to 4,500 meters, damaging sensors up to 2,500 meters, and physical elimination between 100 and 1,500 meters.

Further developments include Aselsan’s YILDIRIM-300 system, designed for the fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet. Prototyping for this system is currently undergoing testing, with flight trials expected before the end of 2026.