Turkey Unveils Star Wars-inspired Steel-penetrating ‘Superlaser’ Gun At IDEF 2019

Turkey unveiled the prototype of a new Star Wars-movie inspired steel-penetrating "Superlaser" gun at the recently concluded IDEF 2019 defence exhibition, at Istanbul, Turkey.

The Rifle Mount Laser (TÜMOL), developed by engineers at the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK), can be mounted on Turkey's first locally designed and produced assault rifle, the MPT-76.

“It turns electricity into laser light. It has a very high effect at a short distance. Doesn't make a sound. Can be seen with an infrared camera. It can penetrate steel on the deck of a ship at a power level of 20 kilowatts,” Mustafa Varank, Industry and Technology Minister, was quoted as saying by Daily Sabah.

The weapon can neutralize a target at a distance of 150 meters, can damage a target at a distance of 250 meters and has a deterrent effect of up to one kilometer, depending on weather conditions, he added.

Having a power level of up to 500 watts and a destructive laser light, the TÜMOL can be used effectively against many different types of targets, from handmade explosives to drones, according to the minister.