Ergun says domestic laser weapon to be developed with support of TUBITAK

Minister of Science, Industry and Technology Nihat Ergun announced that a domestic laser weapon would be developed with the support of Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Board of Turkey (TUBITAK). Ergun declared that high-budget projects aimed at developing laser weapons would be supported in the scope of the studies led by TUBITAK Defense and Security Technologies Research Support Group. Two laser weapons will have been developed, when the project is completed. With the laser system, in Ergun’s words, "the targets which stand as a threat on land, at sea and in the air will be detected, tracked and neutralized." Underlining that a laser weapon which would primarily be used against drones, cruise missiles and mortar ammunition was going to be developed nationally, Ergun stated that all components were aimed to be national as well. "Laser source, which is one of the most critical components of the weapon system, will be completely developed using domestic capabilities. TUBITAK will support the development of maximum four different laser sources where different technologies are used during the first stage of the project. The laser technology to be developed by Turkey will primarily lead to a technological gain in the defense industry," said Ergun.