Ilhami Keles, MKE General Manager

EXCLUSIVELY for DSA & NATSEC Asia 2026, Ilhami Keles speaks to ADJ Today about the firm, its products and selling points…

ADJ: MKE is not a new name in the list of Turkiye’s defence industries; can you describe how the company has evolved into the modern MKE to meet the demand of global challenges in the business?

IK: MKE is built on nearly six centuries of manufacturing heritage. Today, we are transforming this legacy into a modern, technology-driven defence company.

In recent years, we have reshaped MKE into a more agile, innovation-focused and export-oriented structure. We are investing heavily in research and development, and developing next-generation systems tailored to the realities of the modern battlefield. We are no longer just a manufacturer – we are a solution provider. Our approach is clear: Effective. Simple. Cost-efficient.

This principle defines everything we develop. Systems such as the MKE TOLGA Short-Range Air Defence System, along with platforms like the BORAN 105 mm Air Transportable Light Towed Howitzer and the PİRANA Unmanned Surface Vehicle, are direct outcomes of this mindset – operationally effective, easy to deploy and accessible in cost.

We now operate across the full spectrum, from energetic materials and ammunition technologies to weapon systems and integrated platform solutions. This positions MKE as a high value-added defence manufacturer. This transformation is already reflected in our global standing. We are now among the world’s top 100 defence companies, advancing to 80th place in the Defence News Top 100 list with a turnover of US$1.2 billion. We also entered the top 100 for the first time in the 2024 report published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Today, MKE is a global player, exporting to more than 105 countries across five continents. We are expanding our international footprint and strengthening strategic partnerships worldwide, while also engaging in technology transfer initiatives and collaborating with partners who seek to manufacture our products in their own countries.

ADJ: What is the range of products and systems that MKE has brought to DSA & NATSEC Asia 2026 for display and proposing to the region’s military and security forces requirements?

IK: MKE is participating in DSA 2026 with an integrated defence portfolio covering land, naval and air platforms. Among the systems on display, the MKE BORAN 105mm Air Transportable Light Towed Howitzer stands out, drawing strong interest particularly from the Asia-Pacific region.

Developed with MKE’s in-house engineering capabilities, BORAN is distinguished by its high mobility and rapid response capability. Thanks to its air-transportable design, it can be rapidly deployed to different operational areas via helicopter, providing a critical advantage in mountainous, rugged and hard-to-access terrains. The system can be made ready to fire in under one minute after deployment and is capable of delivering high volumes of firepower in a short time with its high rate of fire.

Combat-proven in operational environments, MKE BORAN has attracted significant attention in international markets following its induction into the Turkish Armed Forces inventory. The system was exported to several countries in Asia and Europe in 2024 and 2025. It was also evaluated alongside other howitzer systems during live-fire trials conducted in Malaysia in 2025, where it stood out in terms of rate of fire and system durability. This performance demonstrates that BORAN is preferred not only for its technical specifications but also for its reliability in the field.

In addition, MKE is showcasing the MKE TOLGA Short-Range Air Defence System, developed to address the growing threat of UAVs in modern warfare. With its modular architecture, TOLGA can be deployed across a wide range of platforms, from fixed installations to mobile units, including armoured/unarmoured vehicles and naval platforms. The system supports manual, semi-autonomous and fully autonomous operation modes. It integrates fully indigenous subsystems such as radar, electro-optical sensors and jammers, and neutralises targets using 35mm, 20mm and 12.7mm weapon systems along with programmable airburst ammunition. On the naval side, the DENİZHAN 76mm / 62 calibre Naval Gun and the next-generation asymmetric naval warfare solution PİRANA KİDA (Kamikaze Unmanned Surface Vehicle) are among the key highlights.

ADJ: MKE prides itself on producing entire weapon systems “from end to end”. How does this provide a competitive price advantage compared to Western systems in the price-sensitive markets of the emerging markets of the global south?

IK: MKE’s end-to-end manufacturing capability forms the foundation of its cost advantage. By carrying out production processes largely in-house, from raw materials to final products, the company eliminates costs associated with multi-layered supply chains. This structure is fully integrated across MKE’s facilities, including the Steel and Brass Factory, Powder Factory, Ammunition Factory, Weapon Factory and other production plants. As a result, the entire production process is kept under strict control, reducing costs while ensuring high reliability in quality, standardisation and delivery timelines.

This approach is further reinforced by MKE’s EBU (Effective–Simple–Cost-Efficient) philosophy. Systems are designed and optimised to deliver high performance, with a strong emphasis on operational efficiency and sustainability.

In addition to product supply, MKE provides an integrated suite of services including after-sales technical support, maintenance and repair, training, and spare parts provision. Furthermore, MKE serves as a primary supplier to the Turkish Armed Forces, one of NATO’s largest armies. This position reflects the company’s commitment to the highest standards of quality, durability and operational reliability across its production processes.