Today, Aselsan shared new information regarding the tests conducted with Gökberk mobile laser weapon system. Both Aselsan and Roketsan have significantly advanced laser weapon systems, enhancing defense capabilities against modern threats such as drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These systems, when fielded, will demonstrate the nation’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies into its national defense strategy.
Aselsan’s Gökberk mobile laser weapon system
Aselsan’s Gökberk mobile laser weapon system has demonstrated its effectiveness against first-person view (FPV) drones, which have become prominent threats in contemporary conflicts. In recent tests, Gökberk successfully detected, automatically tracked, and neutralized FPV drone threats across various scenarios. Its rapid engagement time and high-precision targeting are expected to play a crucial role in Türkiye’s national air defense system, known as the Steel Dome.
Gökberk serves as a near-field air defense system capable of both hard kill and soft kill measures against threats like mini/micro UAVs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). It integrates Aselsan’s İhtar platform with a laser weapon on a 6×6 mobile platform, allowing for flexible deployment. Developed with contributions from key industry partners, including TÜBİTAK Bilgem, all major subcomponents of Gökberk have been designed and produced domestically, reinforcing Türkiye’s defense industry autonomy.
The system utilizes an indigenous laser source with high beam quality for hard kill destruction of targets and features an electronic jammer developed by Aselsan for soft kill measures. Equipped with various electro-optical systems and artificial intelligence-supported algorithms, Gökberk offers precise target tracking and identification capabilities, enabling it to neutralize threats swiftly. Designed for continuous 24/7 operation, Gökberk can fire uninterruptedly for extended periods, providing a cost-effective solution with maximum impact and minimal power consumption. Its mobility allows for the defense of fixed facilities such as military bases, airports, power plants, and oil refineries.
Roketsan’s Alka directed-energy weapon system
Another notable Turkish laser weapon system is Roketsan’s Alka directed-energy weapon (DEW) system. Alka is a dual electromagnetic/laser weapon designed to counter UAVs and IEDs. First unveiled at the 2019 International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF), Alka has reportedly been used in combat situations, including the alleged destruction of a Wing Loong II UAV in Libya, marking a significant milestone in the operational use of vehicle-mounted combat lasers.
The Alka DEW system is claimed to have a power of 50kW and operates using both laser and electromagnetic systems. It purportedly employs automatic target recognition utilizing both electro-optical and radar detection to track multiple targets simultaneously. According to its designers, Alka can disable a swarm of drones at a range of 4,000 meters, destroy a target with a laser at 500 meters, and destroy a target at 1,000 meters with electromagnetic weapons. It is also claimed to track targets moving at speeds up to 150 km/h and operate effectively in both day and night conditions across various platforms, both stationary and mobile.
Conclusion
Türkiye’s development of laser weapon systems like Aselsan’s Gökberk and Roketsan’s Alka showcases the nation’s commitment to advancing its defense technologies. These systems enhance the country’s capability to address emerging threats, particularly from drones and UAVs, thereby strengthening national security and contributing to global defense innovation.
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