MKE Unveils TOLGA Naval Close-In Weapon System for Drone Swarm Defense
Turkish defense manufacturer Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi has introduced the naval iteration of its TOLGA counter-drone turret. As reported by Interesting Engineering, the dual-gun system is designed to safeguard both military and commercial vessels from asymmetric threats, specifically aerial loitering munitions and unmanned surface vehicles, utilizing high-volume fire and specialized fragmentation ammunition.
Context from Industry Pulse
The introduction of the TOLGA system highlights a strategic shift in naval defense toward mitigating asymmetric threats like unmanned surface vessels and loitering munitions. By integrating high-speed 20mm revolver cannons with modular stabilization technology, the developer is addressing the specific challenges of drone swarms that can overwhelm traditional defenses. The system's successful live-fire trials on the TCG Beykoz corvette demonstrate the feasibility of repurposing land-based targeting and stabilization technologies for maritime environments. Furthermore, the cross-application of TOLGA’s smart targeting tech into the BMP-1T TURAN infantry vehicle suggests a trend toward standardized, multi-platform electronic sensor suites in regional defense manufacturing.
The newly revealed TOLGA 20mm Dual Weapon Revolver System features twin automatic cannons capable of operating independently or in tandem. According to Interesting Engineering, the turret can achieve a combined output of 3,200 rounds per minute when both cannons are engaged simultaneously. This high rate of fire is intended to counter swarming tactics utilized by modern unmanned platforms. The system utilizes unique fragmentation rounds that generate a shrapnel cloud upon impact to disable maneuverable aerial targets.
Technical specifications detailed by Interesting Engineering indicate the system maintains an effective engagement range of 1,000 meters. The turret module houses a 600-round magazine, which is divided equally between the two weapons. To ensure accuracy against erratic movements, the hardware is built on a fully stabilized platform. It incorporates an independent electro-optical sensor suite that enables tracking of incoming threats regardless of the barrel alignment.
Performance metrics for the turret include an elevation range spanning from -30 to +70 degrees and a traverse speed of 60 degrees per second. Interesting Engineering notes that these capabilities allow the system to depress its cannons significantly to engage sea-skipping drones while maintaining the speed necessary to follow fast-moving surface craft. The modular architecture of the system draws on stabilization and targeting technologies previously utilized in infantry fighting vehicle programs.
Validation of the naval variant took place during the TURNAs-2026 exercises in late October. As Interesting Engineering reports, the system was integrated onto the Turkish Navy corvette TCG Beykoz for live-fire testing. During these drills, the turret successfully identified and engaged both aerial and maritime drone targets. The development follows the company’s previous release of specialized anti-drone ammunition in late 2025.
The Industry Pulse Bottom Line
MKE's TOLGA system represents a specialized evolution in CIWS technology, prioritizing rapid traverse speeds and high-volume fragmentation fire to neutralize the growing threat of maneuverable, low-cost unmanned swarms in maritime corridors.