Machinery and Chemical Industry Inc. (MKE) and Istanbul Technical University (ITU) will jointly develop critical underwater technologies. Gulcin Yarimay Electronics and Embedded Systems Research and Development Center (EGEM)The center, which was opened with a ceremony attended by MKE General Manager İlhami Keleş and ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, will make significant contributions to Türkiye's localization goals in the defense industry and maritime fields.
EGEM's Fields of Activity and Goals
EGEM will conduct a wide range of R&D and technology development activities. The main focal points of the center will be:
Electronic and electro-optic systems: Optical communication, imaging and munitions-specific sensor systems.
Microwave imaging and blocking system technologies.
New generation guidance technologies.
Underwater/surface systems: Critical naval systems such as Unmanned Surface Vehicles (SIDA), Kamikaze Unmanned Marine Vehicles (KIDA), mines, and torpedoes.
The main purpose of these activities is to To produce local and national solutions for the priority needs of the Naval Forces Command.. MKE aims to take advantage of ITU's advanced laboratory infrastructure together with EGEM and to take both its human resources and technical capabilities to the highest level. ITU's leading position in shipbuilding and maritime will enable EGEM to host important projects in the field of defense and maritime systems.
Among the projects currently carried out by MKE under the roof of EGEM are: “Piezo Based Ultra Sensitive Hydrophone” ve “Kamikaze Unmanned Marine Vehicle (PIRANHA)” development studies are taking place. This strategic technology base is preparing to host many critical national technology development projects.
MKE Production BORAN Howitzer in Europe
Light towed howitzer developed by MKE with local and national resources BORAN, is marking a new milestone in the Turkish defense industry. BORAN, which was sent to Bangladesh as the first overseas howitzer export in the history of the Republic of Turkey, is now Northern Macedonia achieved the first howitzer export success to Europe.
Within the scope of the contract signed with the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of North Macedonia on December 21, 2022, 6 105 mm Air Transportable Light Towed Howitzers and the accompanying ammunition were successfully delivered on June 6, 2025. This export is the first howitzer delivery by Türkiye to the European continent.
