Turkish Armed Forces showcase firepower: precision hit from 760 meters
The Turkish Armed Forces conducted the Ateş Serbest-2026 exercises in Polatlı near Ankara, deploying 93 weapon systems. The TOLGA laser system destroyed a drone target at a distance of 760 meters.
Yulduz Salimov3 min read
The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) showcased their firepower during the Ateş Serbest-2026 exercises held in the Polatlı district of Ankara Province at the General Nahit Şenoğul range. The event featured 104 weapons and systems, of which 93 were used in live firing.
The exercises took place on Distinguished Observer Day. Their goals were to demonstrate the striking effect of weapons in the TSK inventory, to improve coordination among service branches, and to display the deterrent potential of the Turkish Armed Forces.
53 systems used for the first time
One of the most notable features of Ateş Serbest-2026 was the first-time use of 53 weapons and systems. The exercises involved artificial intelligence-supported target planning, as well as the Sivrisine Gözükara, Kargu Gözükara, BOYGA Uçangöz and paramotor platforms.
Among other key elements of the event were KEMANKEŞ live firings from AKINCI and TB2 platforms and the ALKA directed-energy system. The use of these systems was intended to evaluate various TSK platforms and next-generation technologies within a single event.
TOLGA laser stuns drone from 760 meters
One of the highlights of the exercises was a firing by the TOLGA laser system, developed by Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi AŞ (MKE). Using directed-energy technology, the system successfully destroyed a drone target at a distance of 760 meters.
The TOLGA laser system struck a drone target at a distance of 760 meters.
The TOLGA short-range air defense system, which integrates a laser weapon, conducted live firing for the first time during exercises. The target hit demonstrated the potential of next-generation technologies for countering UAVs.
Turkish defense industry on the range
MKE took part in Ateş Serbest-2026 with developed weapon systems and ammunition for various platforms. The event featured the MKE TOLGA short-range air defense system, MK-series aerial bombs, the 155-mm FIRTINA howitzer, and the 105-mm BORAN howitzer.
The firings also used the MPT-55 and MPT-76 national infantry rifles in service with the Turkish Armed Forces, as well as the KNT-76, BORA-12, and KN-12 sniper rifles.
The exhibition area also presented other new systems: the ALPAY-2 for breaching passages through minefields, the DAĞHAN hybrid tracked armored vehicle, and the KÖSTEBEK microwave detection and visualization system for underground explosive devices. Among the displayed products of the Turkish defense industry were also the DENİZHAN national naval gun, the BALKIN Çaf-S countermeasure munition, and the MPT-76 MH national infantry rifle.
The exercises demonstrated the TSK's ability to employ weapons from various service branches in a single training environment. Alongside traditional artillery and infantry weapons, UAVs, AI-supported systems, and laser weapons were used.
Source: cnnturk.com
