Turkish company successfully tests laser anti-drone system

ASELSAN, Türkiye’s leading defense company, has successfully tested its GÖKBERK Mobile Laser Weapon System against first-person view (FPV) drones, which have become a critical threat in modern warfare.

The system demonstrated its ability to detect, autonomously track, and eliminate FPV drones in multiple test scenarios, confirming its role as a key component in Türkiye’s national air defense system, Steel Dome.

During the latest trials, GÖKBERK engaged and neutralized FPV drone threats with high precision and rapid response times. The system integrates ASELSAN’s İHTAR platform with a high-energy laser weapon mounted on a 6×6 mobile platform, enabling both hard-kill and soft-kill capabilities against mini/micro UAVs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

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GÖKBERK utilizes an indigenous laser source with high beam quality to physically destroy airborne threats while incorporating an electronic jammer for electronic warfare-based neutralization. The system features advanced electro-optical sensors and artificial intelligence-supported algorithms to maximize target tracking and identification capabilities. ASELSAN has designed the system for continuous operation, with an advanced cooling mechanism allowing sustained firing over long durations.

As part of the Steel Dome air defense network, GÖKBERK is designed to protect critical infrastructure, including military bases, airports, power plants, and oil refineries. Its mobility ensures flexibility in deployment, enhancing its operational effectiveness.

Developed with contributions from TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and other Turkish industry partners, GÖKBERK’s key components are domestically produced, reinforcing Türkiye’s defense industry self-sufficiency. ASELSAN continues to refine the system based on data collected from trials conducted under varying weather conditions.

ASELSAN has seen strong growth in international defense markets. In February 2025, the company reported that direct exports had doubled from the previous year to reach $217 million, with total export volume, including indirect sales through land, naval, and air platforms, rising to $508 million. The expansion highlights ASELSAN’s increasing role in global defense technology and innovation.

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