►MKE exports a short-range air defence system to Saudi Arabia: third export of the MKE Tolga in a month
12 February 2026 – Turkish defence industry company Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE) continues to strengthen its international partnerships and contribute to regional defence capacities by sharing its century old expertise and production capabilities in the defence industry with friendly and allied countries. Following recent exports to Qatar and Egypt within the last month, MKE TOLGA Short-Range Air Defence System has secured its third export agreement with Saudi Arabia.
MKE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia based Al Talbiah for the joint production in Saudi Arabia of the MKE TOLGA Short-Range Air Defence System and 122 mm Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) ammunition. The MoU was signed during the World Defense Show 2026 (WDS 2026) by the CEO of Al Talbiah and MKE General Manager İlhami Keleş. With this agreement, MKE’s engineering capability in air defence and rocket systems has been further reinforced through a new strategic partnership at the regional level.
ALL EYES ON MKE TOLGA!
Exported to Qatar and Egypt previously, the MKE TOLGA Short-Range Air Defence System continues to attract significant interest in the market. In line with increasing demand in recent months, engagements with friendly and allied countries are continuing while the MoU signed with Saudi Arabia further strengthen the system’s global presence.
JOINT PRODUCTION OF 122 MM MLRS AMMUNITION
MKE will bring its century-long expertise in ammunition manufacturing to Saudi Arabia. The agreement is aimed to develop the technical and industrial processes required for the joint production of 122 mm Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) ammunition as well.
ANOTHER AGREEMENT FOR JOINT EXPLOSIVES PRODUCTION
During the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 held in Saudi Arabia, MKE signed an agreement for explosives production as well. A Memorandum of Understanding was concluded with Saudi Arabia-based Saudi Chemical Company Limited (SCCL) for the joint production and sale of explosive raw materials and energetic materials used in ammunition manufacturing.
ONGOING COOPERATIONS WITH SAUDI ARABIA
MKE ESTABLISHING AMMUNITION PRODUCTION LINE IN SAUDI ARABIA
To strengthen cooperation with friendly and allied countries in the defence industry, MKE is responding to demands regarding the establishment of ammunition production and weapon assembly lines.
Under the agreement reached last year with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), MKE will establish ammunition production lines in Saudi Arabia. Within the scope of the agreement, the equipment for the production lines will be supplied by MKE, and Turkish engineers will provide technical assistance throughout the production process.
Having established ammunition production facilities in nine countries across four continents including Europe, America, Asia and Africa, MKE recently completed the installation of ammunition production lines in Mongolia and Jordan in 2025.
THE BORAN 105 MM HOWITZER IS ON THE TABLE
The talks between the MKE and Saudi authorities are ongoing regarding the export of the BORAN 105 mm Air-Transportable Light Towed Howitzer to Saudi Arabia, which stands out in the field with its operational performance, lightweight structure and high mobility. The agreement will comprise the export of 42 BORAN Howitzers to Saudi Arabia.
Developed by MKE, the BORAN 105 mm Air-Transportable Light Towed Howitzer marked a significant milestone as Türkiye’s first howitzer export with its delivery to Bangladesh in 2024. In 2025, through an agreement concluded with North Macedonia, it achieved a strategic success by entering the European market.
