How Türkiye’s MKE Is Expanding from Counter-Drone Systems to Full Defense Manufacturing.

At Enforce Tac 2026 in Nuremberg, Army Recognition interviewed Ödül Öden, Regional Manager for Europe and the Americas at Turkish defense company MKE. The discussion outlined the state-owned manufacturer’s industrial structure, export strategy, and its portfolio of weapons, ammunition, counter-drone systems and unmanned naval technologies.

During Enforce Tac 2026 in Nuremberg, Army Recognition interviewed Ödül Öden, Regional Manager for Europe and the Americas at Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE), Turkey’s state-owned defense manufacturer operating under the Ministry of National Defense. Öden detailed the company’s industrial structure, expanding export strategy, and the systems showcased at the exhibition, including small arms, ammunition, counter-drone technologies, and unmanned naval platforms designed for both military and law enforcement users. The presentation reflected MKE’s effort to position itself as a comprehensive supplier across multiple defense domains while increasing its presence in European and American markets.
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MKE outlines its export push into Europe and the Americas, showcasing small arms, ammunition, and counter-drone systems at Enforce Tac 2026. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

MKE traces its institutional origins back several centuries to the Ottoman period and today operates as one of Türkiye’s central defense manufacturers. The company produces more than 470 different defense products and exports its equipment to more than 105 countries worldwide. According to Öden, many of the systems displayed at Enforce Tac are already in service with the Turkish Armed Forces, providing operational validation before they are offered to allied and partner countries.

During the interview, Öden emphasized the company’s vertically integrated industrial model, which allows MKE to control the entire production chain from raw materials to finished weapons and ammunition. The company operates eleven factories across Türkiye. Five of these facilities produce finished defense systems, while the remaining six focus on manufacturing strategic raw materials used throughout the production process.

This structure gives the company a high level of industrial autonomy. MKE manufactures propellants required for ammunition production, including single-base, double-base, and triple-base powders. In addition, the company is the only entity in Türkiye authorized to collect and recycle strategic scrap metals from government institutions. These materials are processed into steel and brass, which are then reused to manufacture ammunition casings and weapon components. This approach secures supply chains while maintaining strict control over production quality.

At Enforce Tac, MKE presented a wide portfolio of small arms designed and manufactured entirely by its own engineering teams. The weapons on display included 7.62 mm NATO general-purpose machine guns, .50 caliber anti-material sniper rifles, submachine guns, grenade launchers, and several families of assault rifles developed for military and security forces.

Among the systems highlighted during the interview was a multi-caliber sniper rifle capable of switching between 7.62 mm NATO and 8.59 mm calibers. The conversion can be performed in a few minutes by replacing the bolt mechanism, magazine, and barrel, allowing operators to adapt the weapon to different operational environments. The system is designed to deliver long-range precision while maintaining modularity for specialized units.

Another weapon presented by MKE was the BORAN sniper rifle, which is currently used by the Turkish Armed Forces. Designed for high-precision engagements at extended ranges, the rifle forms part of the company’s broader sniper and designated marksman weapon portfolio. A significant portion of the exhibition space was dedicated to ammunition, reflecting MKE’s long-standing expertise in this field. The company produces small arms ammunition ranging from 5.56 mm up to 20 mm, alongside medium and large caliber munitions. Systems presented at the exhibition included 25 mm anti-aircraft ammunition, 155 mm tank ammunition, and mortar ammunition in 60 mm and 81 mm calibers. Several of these munitions incorporate extended-range capabilities intended to increase operational reach and battlefield flexibility.

MKE also manufactures heavy weapons designed to support infantry and ground forces. Among these systems is a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun equipped with a quick-change barrel system, allowing sustained fire during prolonged engagements while preventing overheating. The company also produces 40 mm automatic grenade launchers, which provide infantry units with area suppression capability and the ability to engage targets behind cover.

During the interview, Öden also addressed the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems and the need for specialized countermeasures. MKE recently developed 12.7 mm and 20 mm counter-drone ammunition designed to neutralize small unmanned aerial vehicles increasingly used in reconnaissance and attack missions. Beyond ammunition solutions, the company presented the TOLGA Short-Range Air Defense System, designed to counter mini and micro UAV threats using a layered defense concept. The system integrates both soft-kill and hard-kill capabilities to protect sensitive areas and critical infrastructure.

Detection is performed through radar capable of identifying small drones at distances of approximately 4 to 5 kilometers, even while the system is moving. Once a target is detected, electronic warfare measures attempt to neutralize the drone through jamming. However, some UAVs cannot be disrupted electronically, particularly those controlled via fiber-optic communication links. For these cases, the system integrates hard-kill weapons ranging from 12.7 mm to 30 mm calibers, allowing the drone to be physically destroyed.

Operational testing conducted in 2025 evaluated the system across 24 different engagement scenarios, demonstrating its ability to neutralize multiple drone threats under varied conditions. A second live demonstration is scheduled for March 2027, while MKE has already signed several international contracts related to the system.

The company also presented its PIRANA kamikaze unmanned surface vessel (USV), developed for swarm attack operations in maritime environments. The platform can carry up to 65 kilograms of explosives, reach speeds exceeding 50 knots, and operate at ranges greater than 200 nautical miles. Its low-profile design reduces radar detection by maintaining a minimal height above the sea surface, allowing it to approach targets with reduced observability.

MKE supplies the explosives, fuses and warheads integrated into the system, reflecting the company’s broader expertise in energetic materials and munitions manufacturing. Öden also highlighted the company’s growing role in international industrial cooperation. MKE currently supports defense production in partner countries through technology transfer and local manufacturing initiatives. According to the company, ten ammunition production lines have already been established across eight countries, enabling partners to develop domestic manufacturing capabilities.

These production lines are built using Turkish-developed machinery. A single production line dedicated to 9 mm ammunition can produce approximately 20 million rounds per year, while other lines can be configured for larger calibers depending on customer requirements. MKE provides engineering assistance, training, and technical expertise to help partners establish sustainable domestic production capacities.

Through its presence at Enforce Tac 2026 and the interview conducted with Army Recognition, MKE emphasized its ambition to position itself not only as a supplier of weapons and ammunition but also as a comprehensive defense industry partner capable of supporting the entire industrial chain, from raw materials and engineering expertise to operational weapon systems and international technology transfer.