Turkish defense company MKE and Poland’s state-owned defense group Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) have signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of short-range air defense. The agreement provides for joint work on integrating short-range air defense systems, including solutions capable of engaging aerial targets without using ammunition.
The memorandum was signed on September 10 at the MSPO 2026 international defense industry exhibition in the Polish city of Kielce. The TOLGA short-range air defense system developed by MKE is at the center of the cooperation.
The parties plan to work together to address capability gaps in existing air defense systems and improve their interoperability. The cooperation will cover the Turkish and Polish markets, as well as potential export markets.
TOLGA combines air target detection, tracking and engagement capabilities within a single short-range air defense architecture. According to the information provided, the system is designed to counter small and micro-UAVs, tactical drones, guided munitions and cruise missiles.
TOLGA includes the GÖKBÖRÜ AESA radar, electro-optical surveillance systems, electronic jamming capabilities, gun systems and a command-and-control architecture.
One of the system’s features is the ability to use different effectors depending on the target and engagement distance. MKE states that TOLGA’s 12.7 mm weapon systems can be used against drones at distances of up to 300 meters, its 20 mm revolver cannon can engage targets at approximately 1 km, while the 35 mm cannon extends the range to up to 3 km using ammunition designed to detonate near the target.
Another element of the system is a 20 kW fiber laser, which, according to the information provided, can operate in dazzling, blocking and destructive modes. TOLGA also incorporates the electro-optically guided ENFAL missile.
The memorandum with PGZ became MKE’s second European agreement on cooperation involving TOLGA, following its agreement with Hungary’s HT Division.
