The world-renowned TEKNOFEST festival continues at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport, drawing crowds eager to explore Türkiye’s defense innovations. One of the most remarkable showcases this year is the Kuyag armor system — a domestic invention developed by Gendarmerie Staff Sergeant Hasan Talha Onuk. The system’s groundbreaking design offers a one-third reduction in weight compared to traditional ballistic protection, significantly increasing mobility and endurance for military and law enforcement personnel while maintaining high protection levels.

Onuk explained that the project was designed for wide applicability: ballistic plates, protective helmets, and vehicle armor can all incorporate the Kuyag structure. The system is compatible with land, naval, and aerial platforms, both manned and unmanned, ensuring flexibility across different operational needs. Additionally, the technology can be adapted for guard posts, control cabins, and mobile command units, offering scalable protection in both field and urban environments. Onuk emphasized that the system’s non-monolithic modular design, combined with local production, makes it 25% more cost-efficient than its counterparts. The product has passed all field tests and is now ready for serial production, marking a significant step toward widespread deployment.

The name “Kuyag”, derived from Divan-ı Lügat-it-Türk, carries historical meaning — it is the ancient Turkic word for “armor.” Onuk, who is also an archery trainer, said his experience working with fiber-based composite materials inspired the innovation. He added that the project’s roots in traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering symbolize the fusion of heritage and high technology.

Having met with international investors during TEKNOFEST, Onuk underlined that his main goal is to serve Turkish soldiers, police, and gendarmerie with fully indigenous protection technologies. The Kuyag system’s lightweight modular architecture is expected to enhance the mobility, sustainability, and survivability of security units in the field. With TEKNOFEST providing a global stage, Kuyag stands as a testament to Türkiye’s growing capabilities in armor and protection systems — combining efficiency, innovation, and national pride.