Qatar becomes 1st buyer of Turkish ULAQ armed unmanned surface vessel
Developed by ARES Shipyard and Meteksan Defence, the ULAQ Armed Unmanned Naval Vehicle has become Türkiye's first unmanned naval vehicle export success. (AA Photo)
Meteksan Defense and ARES Shipyard secured Türkiye’s first armed unmanned surface vessel (USV) export deal with Qatar during the Milipol Qatar 2024 exhibition.
The ULAQ SIDA, developed in partnership with Meteksan Defense and ARES Shipyard, will be used by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, making Qatar the first international operator of this advanced Turkish defense technology.
Türkiye’s historic ULAQ export agreement
The agreement, signed with Qatar’s Interior Ministry, designates ULAQ USV as a key component in Qatar’s coastal and port security.
This export, Türkiye’s first unmanned marine vessel deal, underscores Meteksan’s commitment to innovative maritime security solutions. The ULAQ 11 PSV model specifically will assist the Qatar Coast Guard with surveillance, reconnaissance and critical infrastructure defense.
ULAQ 11 PSV: Features and capabilities
Upon delivery, the ULAQ 11 PSV, Port/Base Protection will be outfitted with a 12.7mm remote-controlled weapon system, radar, encrypted communication systems and autonomous navigation software. Built with high-grade composite materials, the ULAQ 11 PSV boasts a range of 400 kilometers, a top speed of 65 kilometers per hour (km/h), and day and night operational capabilities.
- Speed and Range: 400 km range and a top speed of 65 km/h.
- Armament: 12.7 mm remote-controlled weapon system.
- Navigation and Communication: Autonomous navigation, encrypted communication.
Background of ULAQ Program
The ULAQ project began in 2018 as a joint venture between ARES Shipyard and Meteksan Defense to develop Türkiye’s first armed unmanned surface vessel.
In 2020, the prototype was launched, marking a new era in Turkish maritime technology. The ULAQ platform serves multi-role functions including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and surface warfare.
Additionally, the series includes models equipped for asymmetrical warfare and coastal security, each leveraging Türkiye’s domestic technological advancements.
Expanding Türkiye’s maritime defense exports
This agreement not only represents a milestone for Türkiye’s defense industry but also signals the potential for further international collaborations. Meteksan Defense’s Deputy General Manager, Sukru Serkan Sevim, emphasized the importance of this achievement, underlining Türkiye’s growing role as a leader in unmanned maritime systems.
ARES Shipyard’s Deputy General Manager Oguzhan Pehlivanli also stated their dedication to establishing Türkiye as an innovative and reliable partner in the global defense sector.
