Türkiye’s defense industry continues to expand its footprint in global markets through indigenous systems. Developed by the Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE), the TOLGA Close Air Defense System (YHSS) has achieved its second major export success, with Egypt becoming the latest customer after Qatar.
Under a comprehensive agreement signed between MKE and the Egyptian Ministry of Defense, the total value of the defense package reaches $350 million. The most prominent component of the deal is the export of the TOLGA YHSS, valued at $130 million.
Beyond the air defense system, the agreement also includes plans to establish 155 mm artillery ammunition and cartridge production facilities in Egypt, as well as the formation of a joint defense company, signaling long-term industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Second Export After Qatar
The TOLGA system’s first export contract was signed with Qatar in January 2026, marking its initial entry into international markets. Following that deal, the system quickly demonstrated its operational appeal in the region.
Developed by MKE under the “Effective–Simple–Inexpensive” (ESI) concept, TOLGA is designed to counter asymmetric threats using low-cost ammunition while maintaining high destructive capability, making it particularly suitable for modern battlefield environments.
Part of Türkiye’s Layered Air Defense Network
TOLGA is an integral element of Türkiye’s Steel Dome layered air defense architecture. The system is primarily tasked with point defense missions against cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and helicopters.
The export agreement with Egypt underscores the growing competitiveness of the Turkish defense industry, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets, where demand for cost-effective and rapidly deployable air defense solutions continues to rise.
