Turkish defense companies showcase UAV and laser technologies

Turkish defense industry developments were highlighted through educational initiatives and international technology demonstrations. Havelsan continued its ‘Mühendis Çocuk Yollarda’ (Engineer Children on the Road) project in Rize, where engineers met with students at Borsa İstanbul Middle School. During the event, students participated in workshops involving coding and robotics, and worked alongside engineers to assemble a model of the BAHA sub-cloud unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

In a separate technological showcase, Roketsan’s ALKA Directed Energy Weapon System demonstrated its capabilities at an international military UAV competition. The ALKA system, which integrates electromagnetic jamming and laser technology, is designed to defend military units and critical infrastructure against low-cost, high-threat drones. The system offers a solution for modern combat environments by providing high-precision tracking and low ammunition costs.

Additionally, a team of seven university students developed the ‘Alpagu V3’, an AI-powered UAV. The aircraft features a 1.8-meter wingspan and utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze imagery and determine the distance and size of rival aircraft. The team earned the ‘Best System Architecture’ award at the TEKNOFEST Southeast Fighting UAV Competition in Siirt.