Ekba Holding Acquires Turkey's 1st EM Anti-drone Gun Maker To Prevent Tech Transfer to Netherlands

Istanbul-based Ekba Holding has acquired Turkey's first electromagnetic anti-drone weapons manufacturer Harp Arge Corp after an unnamed Dutch firm tried to buy the firm to collaborate on undisclosed defense projects.

"The acquisition came after a Netherlands-based technology firm showed interest in buying Harp Arge for yet undisclosed defense projects," Anadolu Agency reported on Sunday.

Harp Arge focuses on building unmanned systems, electronic warfare and robotics. One of the company's products is a fifth Generation "Drone Savar" Anti-Drone Electromagnetic Weapon used with a backpack that contains weapons and electronic equipment. Drones exposed to its electromagnetic attack are inactivated by disconnection with the command control.

Ekba Holding Chairman Cihan Ekşioğlu said that "the acquisition was carried out to prevent the potential transfer of technological know-how and R&D projects abroad" and to allow the company means to continue projects for the Presidency of Turkish Defense Industries.

The company has been included in the Cemd Defense Corporation that operates as part of the Holding, he added.