ALKA Laser System Integrated on KAPLAN Vehicle
Türkiye integrates ALKA Laser System with KAPLAN vehicle, signaling a new era in counter-drone defense. Learn how this breakthrough shapes future battlefield dynamics.
ALKA weapon system on KAPLAN
ALKA-KAPLAN Integration Debuts at IDEF 2025
At IDEF 2025, Türkiye unveiled the integration of the ALKA Directed Energy Weapon System onto the KAPLAN Armored Combat Vehicle. Developed by ASELSAN and mounted on FNSS’s KAPLAN platform, this pairing represents Türkiye’s most advanced step yet in fielding high-energy counter-drone solutions. The combined system offers a mobile, armored and autonomous capability for neutralizing aerial threats like loitering munitions and drone swarms.
Mobile Directed Energy for Tactical Superiority
The ALKA laser system uses both electromagnetic pulses and high-power laser beams to disrupt or destroy small UAVs. Unlike static or trailer-based DEWs, its integration with the tracked KAPLAN vehicle enables rapid deployment across rugged terrain. This mobility transforms the system into a flexible countermeasure unit for fast-changing battlefield environments.
With reported laser outputs exceeding 50kW, ALKA ranks among the most powerful tactical laser systems deployed on mobile land platforms globally. It can track and engage multiple aerial targets simultaneously, making it highly effective against swarm drone tactics.
Why KAPLAN Matters
The KAPLAN chassis was chosen for its modular design, high mobility, and ability to integrate advanced electronics. Already in service with the Turkish Armed Forces in various configurations, KAPLAN serves as a versatile base for evolving battlefield technologies. The ALKA-KAPLAN combo is the latest example of Türkiye’s plug-and-play approach to force modernization.
NATO Relevance and Strategic Alignment
Türkiye’s demonstration of the ALKA-KAPLAN system directly supports NATO’s emphasis on emerging and disruptive technologies. Directed energy weapons are increasingly seen as essential tools in modern air defense, particularly for countering drones and loitering threats. Türkiye’s ability to deliver a fully mobile and domestically produced DEW platform positions it as a valuable NATO contributor in this critical domain.
This system’s battlefield relevance also reflects Türkiye’s broader goal of achieving technological sovereignty. By leveraging its own defense industrial base, Türkiye reduces dependency on imported C-UAS systems while opening new pathways for joint development with allied nations.
Export Potential and Market Impact
ASELSAN’s ALKA system, now validated on a proven combat platform, is gaining attention from potential export markets. Countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring mobile counter-drone capabilities. ALKA’s scalable architecture and platform-agnostic design allow it to be adapted for wheeled or unmanned ground vehicles as well.
With Türkiye’s defense exports expected to surpass $6 billion in 2025, directed energy systems are likely to become a growing segment. The ALKA-KAPLAN demonstration strengthens Türkiye’s position in the global C-UAS market, especially for nations facing hybrid or asymmetric threats.
Conclusion: Türkiye’s Directed Energy Trajectory
The ALKA-KAPLAN integration marks a turning point in Türkiye’s directed energy weapons development. It proves not only technical maturity but also battlefield readiness. As drone threats evolve, Türkiye now offers a deployable, scalable, and combat-tested solution that enhances both national defense and alliance interoperability.
This achievement underscores the country’s growing ability to deliver high-impact defense technologies with global relevance—shaping future warfare, one laser pulse at a time.