MKE showcased its maritime defense solutions at the EURONAVAL International Naval Defense Fair in Villepinte, France (November 3-6). The company's exhibition stand featured the TOLGA Close-In Air Defense System, PIRANA kamikaze unmanned surface vehicle, MALAMAN intelligent bottom mine, MKE BALKIN ammunition, and various maritime solutions. MKE representatives emphasized that these systems provide effective and cost-efficient solutions against current maritime threats.

MKE holds a significant position within the Turkish defense industry ecosystem. The company possesses indigenous design and manufacturing capabilities in ammunition and weapon systems, and has increased research and development investments in maritime defense systems in recent years. During the TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland event last week, MKE General Manager İlhami Keleş announced strategic objectives for commercial vessel protection and indicated that work in this field would be accelerated. The company's strategic direction aims to create a new market and capability domain for the Turkish defense sector.

The TOLGA Close-In Air Defense System features a 20 mm dual-barrel revolver gun architecture. The system has a firing rate of 3,200 rounds per minute and an effective range of 1,000 meters with MKE-developed flechette ammunition. Last week, during the National Unmanned Maritime Systems Exercise (TURNAs-2026), the system was integrated aboard a vessel and successfully tested against air and surface targets. The system is designed for integration into existing maritime platforms due to its lightweight structure, ease of operation, and cost-effectiveness. MKE's design philosophy focuses on delivering effective, simple, and economical solutions under changing warfare conditions.

From a Turkish defense industry perspective, adapting TOLGA for commercial vessel protection represents an important step in localization and capability development. International maritime commerce security has become critical, particularly against rising threats in the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. MKE has initiated efforts with relevant authorities to modify applicable regulations. Commercial vessel protection will serve both military and civilian maritime sectors, expanding Turkish defense industry export potential. The system, with its proven military platform performance, can provide reliable protection for commercial vessels.

MKE's maritime defense portfolio demonstrates rapid development when compared to global counterparts. The PIRANA kamikaze unmanned surface vehicle is designed to operate in swarms and can be controlled via satellite, air, and ground command systems. Last week, coordinated control and detonation tests were conducted with the Bayraktar TB2 armed UAV, demonstrating the feasibility of integrated unmanned aerial and maritime operations. Systems such as the DENİZHAN-76 national naval gun and MALAMAN intelligent bottom mine represent NATO-standard maritime defense capabilities. The intense interest shown by European maritime systems manufacturers in MKE products at EURONAVAL demonstrates the competitive strength of Turkish solutions in the international market.