ROKETSAN’s ALKA Directed Energy Weapon System (DEWS) has demonstrated a sophisticated two-tier defense architecture designed to detect, track, and neutralize single and swarm Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) threats, as well as improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Developed as a native Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) solution, ALKA combines high-capacity Electromagnetic Jamming (soft-kill) with high-precision Laser Directed Energy Weapon technology (hard-kill) into a unified defense platform. The system operates as a mobile, vehicle-mounted, or stationary point-defense asset engineered to protect critical infrastructure, forward operating bases, and convoy routes. By executing soft-kill RF/GNSS disruption at extended stand-off ranges prior to engaging close-in targets with high-power laser strikes, ALKA delivers a multi-layered, zero-recharge-cost intercept capability against low-altitude asymmetrical air threats.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: ROKETSAN ALKA DIRECTED ENERGY WEAPON SYSTEM (DEWS)
Developer & Manufacturer
⚡ ROKETSAN Missiles Inc. (Ankara, Türkiye) 
System Classification & Mission Roles
⚡ Ground-Based Mobile / Stationary Dual-Layer Directed Energy Counter-UAS (C-UAS) & Counter-IED System
Operational Architecture & Layered Defense Concept
💥 Soft-Kill Layer (Electromagnetic Jammer): High-power RF/GNSS jammer disabling control links and satellite navigation signals
💥 Hard-Kill Layer (Laser Weapon): High-energy optical laser destroying drone airframes, optical sensors, and payload mechanisms
💥 System Modularity: Vehicle-integrated (4×4 armoured chassis) or stationary containerized installation
Target Detection, Tracking & Engagement Range Envelope
🚀 Target Acquisition & Tracking: Integrated electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) gimbal sensor suite combined with high-frequency radar units
🚀 Soft-Kill (RF/GNSS Jammer) Effective Range: Up to 4,000 meters (4 km)
🚀 Hard-Kill (Laser Destruction) Effective Range: Up to 500 meters (0.5 km)
🚀 Target Types: Micro/Mini UAVs, Group 1/2 drones, autonomous UAV swarms, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and IEDs
Command, Guidance & Power Requirements
🚀 Tracking System: AI-assisted automatic target detection, class recognition, and precision point-tracking software
🚀 Operational Cycle: Continuous engagement capability supported by onboard generator units and energy storage modules, eliminating conventional ammunition supply lines
TIMES OF DEFENCE ASSESSMENT
ROKETSAN’s ALKA system addresses one of the most pressing operational challenges on the modern battlefield: defending critical military and civilian infrastructure against low-cost, mass-produced autonomous drone swarms. Traditional air-defense systems—such as short-range surface-to-air missiles or gun-based CIWS—face severe cost-asymmetry and magazine-depth limitations when forced to intercept $500 quadcopters or loitering munitions with multi-thousand-dollar interceptors.
By integrating a dual-layer soft/hard-kill mechanism into ALKA, ROKETSAN achieves an optimal balance between range and cost-efficiency. The long-range electromagnetic jammer neutralizes incoming threats at distances up to 4 km without kinetic engagement, preserving energy. For hardened or autonomous drones equipped with anti-jamming visual navigation software, the 500-meter laser hard-kill layer provides instantaneous, non-kinetic destruction by burning through vital flight surfaces or optics. As drone warfare evolves toward autonomous swarm tactics, mobile directed-energy assets like ALKA will become mandatory components of layered ground-based air defense networks.
