As drone warfare rapidly evolves and unconventional threats multiply, the demand for agile, cost-effective, and precise countermeasures has never been higher. Laser-based weapon systems are stepping into this gap with increasing relevance and Türkiye is entering this domain with its own indigenous capability. ASELSAN’s GÖKBERK Mobile Laser Weapon System redefines mobile air defense with a tightly integrated, high-performance directed energy architecture, offering both hard-kill and soft-kill capabilities against low-altitude threats.
GÖKBERK Mobile Laser Weapon System is a short-range air defense solution mounted on a 6x6 mobile platform. Unlike distributed systems, it consolidates all mission-critical components into a single shelter for rapid deployment and simplified logistics. It is designed to counter FPV-type drones, micro/mini-UAVs, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) through both precision destruction and electronic neutralization.
At its core, GÖKBERK features a 5-kW single-mode laser source developed by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, delivering high beam quality for hard-kill engagements. An integrated electronic jammer by ASELSAN enables soft-kill effects within the same system, allowing flexible responses depending on the threat profile.
The system’s focusing unit enables laser beam concentration up to 2,000 meters, capable of neutralizing drones at distances between 1 and 1.5 kilometers. GÖKBERK’s stabilized gimbal system offers ±180° rotation and high-precision tracking, powered by EO/IR sensors that include a TV camera, thermal imager, NIR active tracking camera, and an illumination laser. These provide round-the-clock situational awareness and target engagement.
In typical configuration, GÖKBERK first acquires threat data from its integrated advanced radar. After classification of the threat operator can decide whether to use soft-kill or hard-kill option according to threat type and range data taken from the radar. If the operator opts for the hard-kill mode, radar data is transmitted to the high-accuracy stabilized gimbal to enable optical tracking of the target. Once the target is acquired in the coarse-track camera, video tracking is automatically initiated. The operator then transfers the video tracking from the coarse-track camera to the fine-track Near Infrared (NIR) camera, which provides a narrow field of view to precisely designate a specific aim point on the target. After selecting the desired point of engagement, the operator issues the fire command and maintains the aim on the designated spot while the system automatically continues video tracking.
A dedicated cooling system supports continuous operation, allowing uninterrupted laser firing for at least 10 minutes depending on the power configuration and mission conditions. This endurance, combined with precision optics and efficient power use, ensures GÖKBERK delivers maximum impact with minimal energy waste.
Thanks to its modular and mobile design, GÖKBERK is suited for the protection of strategic sites such as military bases, energy facilities, airports, and other critical infrastructure. Its scalable architecture opens the door for future upgrades, making it a versatile asset in modern defense scenarios.
