ROKETSAN's directed energy weapon system ALKA has become a critical component of the STEEL DOME air defense architecture through continuous laser power enhancement. Weapons Systems and Integration Director Koray Dayanç stated that development work began in 2018-2019 to counter drone threats against critical infrastructure. The system emerged victorious from a competition organized by the SSB (Defense Industry Agency), surpassing ASELSAN and TÜBİTAK Bilgem. Since initial deliveries, ALKA has played an active role in protecting operational units against swarm kamikaze drone attacks.

ROKETSAN is a pioneering organization in directed energy weapon systems within the Turkish defense industry ecosystem. Since its establishment, the company has developed missiles, rockets, and advanced weapon systems, expanding its expertise into electronic warfare and laser-based defense technologies through the ALKA project. ALKA represents ROKETSAN's integration of soft kill (electronic jamming) and hard kill (physical destruction) capabilities on a single platform. This integration provides a multi-layered defense approach against drone threats, combining electronic countermeasures with direct energy engagement.

The ALKA system neutralizes drones by directing laser energy at targets. Beginning with 2.5 kilowatts in its initial version, the system has evolved to 5-kilowatt and 10-kilowatt configurations. Depending on plate thickness, impact zone, and laser output energy, drones can be neutralized within 1 to 5 seconds. The system integrates artificial intelligence algorithms into its command and control framework, reducing detection time, optimizing target prioritization, and minimizing operator reaction time. As drone threats have evolved from radio-controlled systems to wired platforms with robust electronic countermeasures, ALKA has been continuously updated to maintain effectiveness against emerging threats.

Turkish defense industry has developed a multi-layered air defense system architecture. The STEEL DOME program spans from long-range systems through medium-range platforms to short-range and final-point defense. ALKA is positioned at the apex of this pyramid, protecting critical infrastructure, base areas, and transiting units. The system operates in integration with conventional air defense radars, providing real-time defense against swarm drone attacks. This approach reflects the application of NATO-standard multi-layered air defense doctrine adapted to Turkish operational requirements.

ROKETSAN aims to increase ALKA's energy output at an accelerated pace. Director Dayanç stated that given rapidly evolving threats, the power multiplier will advance by factors of 5, 10, and 20 rather than incremental 2x2x2 steps. Field feedback and operational experience guide system upgrades. Radar technologies are being renewed to enable detection of more targets simultaneously. ALKA is positioned as the laser component of STEEL DOME, functioning as a multi-layered air defense element and hard kill final point. Development efforts prepare Turkish Armed Forces for future asymmetric threat scenarios.