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Türkiye has unveiled a new 130 mm chaff countermeasure missile system designed to protect naval platforms from radar-guided missiles equipped with radio-frequency homing seekers.
The Balkin system, developed by state-owned Mechanical and Chemical Industry Inc. (MKE), has completed successful test firings and is ready for serial production.
The Balkin 130mm Chaff-S countermeasure ammunition, developed through research and development work completed by MKE engineers and introduced for the first time at IDEF 2025, has successfully completed test firings and is now ready for serial production.
The Balkin system represents a significant achievement in ending Türkiye's dependence on foreign sources for chaff ammunition technology.
"With this achievement, MKE has ended Türkiye's external dependency in one more area through Balkin, which was developed with indigenous and national capabilities," the company noted.
Balkin operates through a sophisticated particle dispersal mechanism. The ammunition contains special particles designed to deceive radar systems. When detonated in the air, the system scatters these particles, forming a dense cloud with high radar reflectivity that remains suspended above the target area.
"Balkin contains particles designed to deceive radars. When the ammunition detonates in the air, these particles scatter, forming a dense cloud that remains suspended in the air. Radar-guided missiles are misled by the cloud, preventing warships from becoming targets," MKE explained.
The system's broad-spectrum electromagnetic protection structure ensures effectiveness across a wide range of frequencies, making it potentially effective even against modern radar seekers. This capability provides warships with protection against both current and anticipated future anti-ship missile threats.
The Balkin system operates through a sophisticated particle dispersal mechanism. The ammunition contains special particles specifically designed to deceive radar systems. When the ammunition detonates in the air, it scatters these particles, which form a dense cloud with high radar reflectivity.
"Balkin contains particles designed to deceive radars. When the ammunition detonates in the air, these particles scatter, forming a dense cloud that remains suspended in the air, with radar-guided missiles being misled by the cloud, preventing warships from becoming targets," the company explained.
The suspended cloud of particles in the air misleads radio-frequency homing missiles, preventing them from accurately striking their intended naval targets. The system reportedly operates effectively across a wide range of frequencies, making it potentially effective even against modern radar seekers.
This deception capability represents a critical advancement in maritime defense, as it addresses one of the most significant threats to modern naval vessels—anti-ship missiles guided by radar seekers.
MKE, drawing on its century-long production experience and superior engineering capabilities, developed Balkin to address the critical vulnerability of naval platforms to modern radar-guided weapons.
"Mechanical and Chemical Industry, with our century-long production experience and superior engineering capabilities, continues to develop next-generation ammunition and weapons for air, land, and naval platforms in line with the needs of our heroic armed forces," the company stated.
The successful development and imminent entry into serial production represent both a technological achievement and a strategic victory for Turkish defense independence. The system will enhance the defensive posture of Turkish naval vessels and create significant export opportunities with allied nations.
"Balkin stands out with its high export potential toward friendly and allied nations," MKE noted, indicating the system's commercial viability beyond domestic military applications.
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