Turkey recently completed another round of tests on its “Alka” directed energy counter-drone weapon system.
The Roketsan-developed system is one of many directed energy weapons Turkish defense firms have been developing, such as the LSS laser defense system by Aselsan.
Electromagnetic Jamming, Laser Strike
The Alka uses an electromagnetic jamming system and a 50-watt laser to disable and destroy short-range threats like drones. The system can also defuse bomb traps and improvised explosive devices, the manufacturer states.
The electromagnetic system works at a range of up to 1,000 meters (3,281 feet), while the laser is effective at 750 meters (2,461 feet).
The system uses AI-based automatic target recognition and is capable of night operations.
Mobile System
Roketsan unveiled the system in 2019 following five years of development, Defense News revealed last year. The developer is now working to integrate the system with a land vehicle.
“The mobile unit will be ideal to protect troops and operations, while the stationary system will offer protection for headquarters, bases, ships, and other strategic points,” a Roketsan engineer said.