Türkiye’s ASELSAN develops cutting-edge GÖKBERK mobile laser weapon for countering aerial threats Video

Turkish defence company ASELSAN is advancing in the field of directed energy weapons, a next-generation technology.

According to Turkish defence industry portal, SavunmaSanayiST, ASELSAN is conducting trials of its mobile GÖKBERK laser weapon system, Caliber.Az reports.

ASELSAN tarafından geliştirilen ve FPV Dron, İHA ile EYP gibi hedeflere karşı kullanılacak GÖKBERK Mobil Lazer Silah Sistemi’nin test görüntüleri paylaşıldı: pic.twitter.com/wgMIKM9Pry

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) March 10, 2025

The GÖKBERK system is designed to effectively neutralise modern asymmetric mobile aerial threats. It is equipped with radar and electro-optical sensors capable of detecting and tracking such targets. 

Recently, the system demonstrated its effectiveness by neutralising FPV drones in various test scenarios. As part of Türkiye’s Steel Dome air defence initiative, GÖKBERK features rapid response capabilities, high targeting precision, and operates from a 6x6 mobile platform. It combines a 5 kW laser weapon, radar, and electro-optical sensors for automated detection and tracking.

GÖKBERK has dual-threat neutralisation, using both a “hard kill” laser for physical destruction and a “soft kill” electronic disruption method via ASELSAN’s Kangal jammer. This makes it effective against a range of drones, including kamikaze types and mini-UAVs carrying explosives. Designed for high operational autonomy, it requires no ammunition replenishment, offering cost-effectiveness and continuous operation thanks to advanced cooling technology.

The system’s modular design allows for upgrades, such as increased laser power, and it can integrate into broader networked defence systems. GÖKBERK’s development reflects a global trend towards directed energy weapons for countering the growing drone threat, with similar systems being developed in the US, Europe, and Asia. ASELSAN’s innovation strengthens Türkiye’s strategic autonomy and capability in defence technologies.

By Aghakazim Guliyev