MKE Tests naval version of Tolga SHORAD system

A demonstrative image of the various parts of MKE's Tolga short range air defence system. (MKE)

Türkiye's Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE) has developed a stabilized naval version of its Tolga short range air defence (SHORAD) system, which has been tested aboard the Turkish Navy's TCG Beykoz.

The development was revealed by MKE General Manager İlhami Keleş during an interview with a Turkish TV channel at the Teknofest Mavi Vatan event in August 2026.

According to Keleş, stabilised Tolga-equipped 20 mm gun systems have already been installed on TCG Beykoz. The ship initially received single-barrel guns, while twin-barrel versions are now being installed and were expected to undergo testing in September.

The 20 mm medium-calibre weapon system operates with a gas-operated revolver mechanism, with high accuracy and low recoil force. The gun can neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) up to a range of 1,000 m, according to MKE.

Tolga's radar and command-and-control (C2) system are designed to address a gap in existing shipborne air-defence systems, whose radars are optimised for detecting high-speed aerial targets and may struggle to detect small, slow-moving UAVs or unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). The system is intended to provide protection against both airborne kamikaze drones and unmanned kamikaze surface vessels.

MKE is exploring the possibility of integrating Tolga onto civilian vessels, particularly those operating in areas exposed to unmanned-system threats. The company is discussing potential regulatory changes with Turkey's Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and the International Maritime Organization.

Keleş described Tolga as an “effective, simple, and inexpensive” system that could potentially help reduce the rising insurance costs associated with operating in high-risk maritime areas.

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