Saha Expo 2026 – MKE unveils Alpay-II mine-clearing system
Opening breaches into a minefield has always been a major issue for combat engineers; at the Istanbul exhibition MKE unveiled its Alpay-II, an armoured vehicle capable of deploying two Alpay clearing systems from undercover, each rocket-propelled explosive cord being able to open 100 metres long and 10 metres wide corridor to allow the passage of friendly troops
Among the many new systems showcased by Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi, MKE in short, at the Istanbul exhibition, on the outside stand a tracked vehicle was showcased, fitted with an unusual structure on top; the two huge containers were designed to host the Alpay rocket-propelled mine clearing system, this configuration allowing sappers to open a breach into a minefield without exposing themselves to enemy fire.
Not only, compared to the trailer version carrying a single Alpay, the vehicle mounted one carries the systems under an armoured casing, which ensures a higher survivability considering that usually minefields to be really effective are covered with fire by the enemy. Launchers can be raised at a 30° elevation. The Alpay is made of a rocket that can fly at 200 metres distance, towing behind it a line charge, which is detonated once on the ground. The line charge contains 400 kg of C-4 explosive and is triggered by a detonating fuse. It neutralises anti-personnel and antitank mines opening a breach 100 metres long and 10 metres wide, MKE stating that it detonates mines up to 1 metre depth. Although the percentage of mines neutralised by line charge systems depends on many variables, the type of terrain being the main one, MKE states its Alpay destroys an average of 98% of the mines, width and depth of the breach depending on the situation and mentions the most widely used Russian antitank mines among those that can be neutralised.
The two Alpay launchers are fitted on an MKE electric-hybrid vehicle, which according to data provided seems an evolution of the Dağhan, first seen at the EFES-2024 exercise and then in several exhibitions with different weapon systems. The Alpay-II is powered by two electric motors providing an overall 470 kW (630 Hp) output, electric power being provided by the 258-kWh battery pack, energy consumption being 2.3 kW/km without payload and 2.4 kW/km at full load. Batteries are reloaded by a single 28 kW diesel generator (the previous version had two 20 kW generators) which consumption is 9 litres per hour. The 18 tonnes vehicle has an operational range of 750 km at 20 km/h cruising speed, maximum speed being 40 km/h. It hosts a crew of three, driver commander and system operator, who fire the line charge from under armour. To further reduce risks for personnel, the crew can dismount and remain under cover at distance from the launch point, as the Alpay-II can be remotely controlled up to 3 km in open terrain.
Photos courtesy MKE and P. Valpolini
