A wide range of weapon systems and munitions developed by Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi AŞ are taking an active role in the EFES-2026 Combined Joint Live-Fire Field Exercise. In the exercise, where land, air and naval elements operate together, MKE products contribute significantly to the firepower, close air defence capability and ammunition diversity of the Turkish Armed Forces.

According to MKE, several systems are being used during the exercise, including the TOLGA close air defence system, BORAN light towed howitzer, FIRTINA howitzer weapon system, 35 mm weapon system, aircraft bombs, infantry rifles, sniper rifles and ammunition in different calibers. This broad product range shows that MKE has developed production capabilities across many critical areas, from land fire support systems to air munitions and infantry weapons.

One of the notable systems in the exercise is TOLGA, which serves in the close air defence role. As unmanned aerial vehicles, low-altitude threats and fast-moving aerial targets become increasingly dangerous on the modern battlefield, close air defence systems play a critical role in protecting land forces. MKE’s solutions in this field contribute to the layered defence structure of the Turkish Armed Forces by being tested in a large-scale exercise such as EFES-2026.

MKE’s 35 mm weapon system is also among the key systems featured during the exercise. Described as one of the important striking elements of the Çelik Kubbe air defence architecture, the system plays a critical role in Türkiye’s layered air defence concept. Alongside the 35 mm weapon system, MKE-developed solutions provide short-range and effective response capabilities against aerial threats, strengthening the overall defensive line.

In terms of land fire support, the BORAN light towed howitzer and FIRTINA howitzer weapon system stand out. BORAN draws attention as a flexible artillery system with its lightweight and transportable structure, making it suitable for different mission areas. FIRTINA, on the other hand, remains one of the most effective elements of Turkish artillery with its high firepower and mobility. These systems support the advance of land forces, suppress enemy positions and neutralize critical targets from long distances.

MKE’s role in the exercise is not limited to weapon systems. The company has a wide production capability ranging from 5.56 mm infantry ammunition to 155 mm howitzer rounds, tank ammunition, rocket warheads, aircraft bombs and mortar ammunition. This diversity makes MKE one of the main sources of striking power for many of the munitions used during EFES-2026.

MKE products support the operational capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces across a wide mission spectrum, from close air defence to long-range fire support, tank weapon systems and aerial munitions. This is strategically important for Türkiye’s goal of reducing foreign dependence in weapon and ammunition production. The active use of domestically produced systems in the field provides major advantages in terms of supply security and operational continuity.

The active role of MKE systems during EFES-2026 once again demonstrates the Turkish defence industry’s field-oriented production capacity and ability to respond to operational needs. The weapons and munitions used in the exercise show that Türkiye has a multidimensional defence production infrastructure serving land, air and naval elements. MKE-developed systems strengthen the deterrence of the Turkish Armed Forces while contributing to future joint operational capabilities.