Makina ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE), one of Türkiye’s oldest and most established defense companies, continues to adapt swiftly to the changing dynamics of modern warfare. In an exclusive interview with TRT Haber, MKE Deputy General Manager Ümit Kıyak revealed the company’s latest breakthrough — the development of a Loitering Munition Family Project, with initial testing set to begin by the end of March.

According to Kıyak, MKE is working on five to six different loitering munition types designed to perform a variety of roles on the battlefield. One of the most notable innovations is a munition developed specifically to neutralize electronic jammers — the primary threat to loitering munitions. “You launch it, and it automatically attacks the source of any detected signal,” Kıyak explained, adding that this technology will make it easier and safer to operate drone systems in contested environments.

MKE’s new family of systems will include GPS-guided short-, medium-, and long-range loitering munitions, as well as a fourth variant equipped with a heavier warhead for extended-range missions. The company is also developing cable- and laser-guided micro drones capable of visually identifying and destroying nearby targets. Kıyak emphasized that MKE is simultaneously building the production infrastructure needed for serial manufacturing of these systems, with the goal of launching the first three drone models later this year.

In addition to these airborne innovations, MKE is also expanding its artillery capabilities. The company plans to mount its 105mm BORAN howitzer on a 4x4 light wheeled vehicle by 2025. Due to its lightweight design, the BORAN can be easily airlifted to remote or mountainous areas — a key advantage over heavier 155mm systems. Kıyak noted that the concept has already attracted significant international interest and offers strong export potential.

With these projects, MKE is transforming from a traditional ammunition manufacturer into a producer of advanced, high-tech battlefield systems. The loitering munition family and mobile howitzer platform mark a strategic leap forward for Türkiye’s defense industry, strengthening both domestic capabilities and global competitiveness.