MKE Integrates Tolga SHORAD with Hungarian UGVs

Our Bureau - : May 7, 2026 - : 1:47 am

.Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) of Türkiye has reached a significant milestone in international defense cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hungarian-based firm HT Division.

The agreement, finalized during the ongoing SAHA EXPO 2026, outlines the integration of the Turkish-developed Tolga Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) system and turret into unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) developed by HT Division. This collaboration represents a strategic expansion of Turkish defense technology into the European market while enhancing the autonomous combat capabilities of Central European land platforms.

The partnership focuses on combining MKE’s proven expertise in weapon systems with the advanced robotics and autonomous chassis design of HT Division. By mounting the Tolga system onto unmanned platforms, both nations aim to address the growing demand for mobile, low-altitude air defense solutions capable of neutralizing threats such as loitering munitions and small tactical drones. This integration reflects a broader global shift toward hybrid warfare systems where unmanned platforms provide high-lethal defensive capabilities without risking human personnel in high-threat environments.

Strengthening Industry Ties

The official statement from MKE noted that "With this MoU signed within the scope of SAHA 2026 the TOLGA Weapon System and Turret will be integrated into HT Division’s UGV platform." This formalization follows a series of bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening defense industry ties between Ankara and Budapest, leveraging Hungary’s position as a growing hub for defense manufacturing in the European Union.

Strategic analysts view this agreement as part of a wider effort by Turkish defense manufacturers to secure long-term partnerships within NATO’s Eastern flank. By embedding Turkish technology into Hungarian platforms, MKE secures a foothold in the European defense ecosystem, potentially opening doors for similar collaborations in the Indo-Pacific where modular SHORAD systems are in high demand. The successful integration of the Tolga turret onto HT Division UGVs will likely serve as a technical demonstration for other nations seeking to automate their air defense layers.