Türkiye expands drone defence capabilities PHOTO / VIDEO

Threats from drones will be countered through the ALKA (YESS) directed energy weapon system developed by Turkish weapons manufacturer and defense contractor ROKETSAN.

The ALKA YESS laser system plays a crucial role in protecting critical military facilities and state institutions from asymmetric threats that are difficult to neutralise with conventional firearms, Caliber.Az reports, citing the message of SavunmaSanayiST.com posted on X.

İLK KEZ GÖRECEĞİNİZ ATIŞ GÖRÜNTÜLERİ❗️

⚡️Roketsan’dan FPV Dronlara karşı ALKA çözümü!

Günümüzde gelişen teknoloji ile tehdit tipleri de değişiyor ve bu değişim, yeni tür savunma sistemlerinin kullanımını gerekli kılıyor. Roketsan’ın geliştirdiği ALKA YESS, son dönemde sıkça… pic.twitter.com/yY6Aq8Tb4P

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) September 19, 2024

As technology evolves, so do the types of threats, necessitating the use of new protection systems. The ALKA YESS is capable of detecting drones and eliminating them by using laser weapons. Series production of ALKA YESS began in 2023.

"Serving as a laser weapon in the Turkish armed forces' arsenal, ALKA plays a crucial role in safeguarding essential military facilities and state institutions. Since 2019, ALKA has been capable of neutralising asymmetric threats, such as mini and micro unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones, impressing with its continuously evolving capabilities. With ALKA, Turkey has gained significant potential to defend against kamikaze drones, which have recently emerged as a serious terrorist threat," states the manufacturer. ALKA can track up to 100 targets simultaneously using its drone detection radar, providing close-range air defence at distances ranging from 750 to 1,500 metres. 

Capable of operating both day and night, ALKA can also play a role in neutralising explosive traps that may be used in residential areas, as well as roadside improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance.

ROKETSAN is also developing the ALKA NEW laser weapon system, which enables multiple ALKA YESS units to be directed at a single target. 

The development process for ALKA, which is an innovative, advanced, and cost-effective weapon, began in July 2016 using ROKETSAN's own resources. In July 2018, production and testing of the first prototype of ALKA were successfully completed. On April 20, 2021, the company signed a contract with the Turkish Defence Industry Agency for the supply of ALKA. 

Having successfully passed all qualification tests, ALKA demonstrated its capabilities during events held on November 30, 2022. ROKETSAN continues integrating YESS technology across various platforms.

CEO of ROKETSAN Murad Ikinci emphasises that ALKA's ability to neutralise FPV drones—threats that conventional weapons cannot prevent—is crucial. Ikinci believes that ALKA can protect critical military facilities and state institutions from drone threats. 

"ALKA can simultaneously track multiple targets by using its detection radar and quickly neutralise them. The system also stands out for its capability to defend against swarm drone attacks. We are continuing the serial production of ALKA, which is also part of the 'Iron Dome' project, providing multi-layered air defence for entire Türkiye. Additionally, we are working on exporting ALKA to friendly and allied countries," the head of ROKETSAN added.

By Naila Huseynova