# Ateş Serbest-2026 military exercise

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ate-serbest-2026-military-exercise
> Updated: 2026-10-13T10:53:31.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

The Ateş Serbest-2026 military exercise has concluded in Polatlı, Ankara, showcasing the Turkish Armed Forces’ (TSK) firepower, operational capabilities, and inter-branch coordination across Land, Naval, Air, and Special Forces.

The event featured 104 weapons and systems, with 53 activities performed for the first time. Notable demonstrations included the TOLGA close air defense system, autonomous fogging via the AI-supported Uçangöz system, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) decontamination procedures.

Technological highlights included Baykar’s SİVRİSİNEK loitering munition with swarm capabilities, MKE’s 20 kW fiber laser weapon system—which engaged a drone at 760 meters—and various unmanned platforms such as the AKINCI and Bayraktar TB2. Other showcased systems included ASELSAN’s KORKUT and Ejderha, and HAVELSAN’s BARKAN unmanned ground vehicle.

The Selective Observer Day was attended by high-ranking officials, including Turkish National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, the Chief of the General Staff of Turkey, and military leaders from Azerbaijan and Qatar.

## Claims

- The Turkish Armed Forces conducted the Ateş Serbest-2026 exercise at the General Nahit Şenoğlu Shooting and Training Area in Polatlı, Ankara. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- A total of 104 weapons and systems were exhibited during the exercise. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- 53 different weapons and systems were used for the first time during the exercise. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The exercise included the use of AKINCI and TB-2 drones with various munitions. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The exercise was attended by high-ranking officials from Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Qatar. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The MKE TOLGA 20 kW fiber laser weapon system successfully destroyed a drone target at a distance of 760 meters. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- 93 of the exhibited weapons and systems were used for firing activities. (single source)
- MKE exhibited various systems including the MPT-55 and MPT-76 national infantry rifles. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-13: Turkish Armed Forces conduct Ateş Serbest-2026 military exercise

The Turkish Armed Forces conducted the Ateş Serbest-2026 exercise in Ankara, showcasing 104 weapons and systems, including many new domestic technologies like laser weapons and autonomous swarm munitions.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-armed-forces-conduct-ate-serbest-2026-military-exercise

### 2026-10-09: Ateş Serbest-2026 military exercise showcases domestic defense systems

The Ateş Serbest-2026 military exercise in Polatlı features domestic sniper rifles, BORAN howitzers, and PANTER artillery systems demonstrating precision and mobility.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ate-serbest-2026-military-exercise-showcases-domestic-defense-systems

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Cite as: Ateş Serbest-2026 military exercise. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ate-serbest-2026-military-exercise