A Deep-rooted History, National Power: MKE Incorporated Company Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE) Incorporated Company, one of the pioneers of the Turkish defense industry, has operated under various names and statuses throughout history.

Its origins date back to the 15th century Ottoman Empire, specifically to the Imperial Cannon Foundry established by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror after the conquest of Istanbul.

In the early years of the Republic, there was no significant infrastructure for the defense industry. Production in this field was limited to small workshops established around Ankara during the War of Independence by relocating manufacturing equipment and benches from Istanbul. Between 1921 and 1924, the Light Weapons and Artillery Repair Workshops and Cartridge and Carpentry Factories were established in Ankara; in 1928, the Brass and Electrical Machinery Factories in Kırıkkale; in 1929, the Ammunition Factory; in 1931, the Kayaş Capsule Factory; in 1935, the Mamak Gas Mask Factory; and in 1936, the Steel, Rifle, and Cannon Factories in Kırıkkale. Not only in defense but also in civilian production, many milestones were achieved. In the 1950s, MKE manufactured UĞUR 44, recorded as Türkiye’s first single-engine aircraft.

The first railway rail rolling, production of sheet and brass products, qualified steel rolling mills, cast iron and ductile iron foundries, electric meters, and military batteries were also among MKE’s achievements. Additionally, MKE played an active role in establishing key industrial enterprises like Türk Traktör, TÜMOSAN, TOFAŞ, and TÜGSAŞ by contributing its trained workforce and technological expertise during Türkiye’s early industrialization period.

To securely and sustainably meet the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces, the Machine and Chemical Industry Institution was founded on March 8, 1950, with Law No. 5591 as a fully state-owned enterprise.

In 1982, this law was repealed and replaced by Decree-Law No. 233 dated June 18, 1984. In 2000, MKE was separated from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and became an affiliated institution under the Ministry of National Defense.

As of 2019, MKE ranks among Türkiye’s top 100 industrial enterprises and continues its operations with the strength drawn from its deep-rooted history and a strong sense of national duty.