Turkey has completed another stage of trials of the ALKA directed-energy weapon.

Ismail Demir, President of the Defence Industry Agency of Turkey, announced this on Twitter.

“We have left behind another milestone in testing the ALKA directed-energy weapon system, which will hold an important place in our laser and electromagnetic program, which few countries are working on,” he wrote.

He also posted a video featuring the tests.

The footage captured the destruction of ground targets and drones during the flight.

ALKA is a system developed by the Roketsan that provides the ability to combat individual mini/micro aircraft carrying various payloads (cameras, explosives, etc.). It also allows the destruction of UAV clusters at a safe distance away from an object being protected by such a system.

A guided laser system provides protection against drone attacks in three stages.

First, drones that can pose a threat are detected using the radar. This is followed by automatic tracking.

If the flying object is identified as dangerous, the system provides electronic interference to affect the navigation system signals.

At the final stage, ALKA is capable of hitting the target with its 2.5-kilowatt laser.

The effective range of aircraft detection and tracking by the radar is up to 4000 m. The use of directed EW means is possible at a distance of 1000 m, and the destruction of UAVs with the help of a laser could be done at a distance of 500 m.

The system can track and destroy aerial objects moving at a maximum speed of 150 km/h. Simultaneous tracking of several targets is also provided.

The system can be used at any time of the day and serve as a usual means of monitoring the perimeter.