Turkish defense firm Havelsan aims to deploy armed unmanned surface vehicle in 2024

One of Türkiye’s leading defense firms, Havelsan CEO Mehmet Akif Nacar announced plans to introduce the armed unmanned surface vehicle (USV) Sancar into service by the end of 2024.

Speaking at Anadolu Agency’s Technology Desk, Nacar highlighted the company’s focus on artificial intelligence (AI) development and expanding export markets.

Sancar USV set for deployment in 2024

The Sancar armed unmanned surface vehicle aims to enhance Türkiye’s naval capabilities.

Nacar stated that first-phase approvals are complete, with second-phase operational tests, including surveillance and mine-sweeping, expected next month.

First Unmanned System Based on ADVENT CMS	Ship Data Distribution System
COLREG Compliant Autonomous Navigation	Redundant & Uninterrupted Communication
Patrol Search and Rescue	Easily transportable Mobile Ground Control Station
ISR and Surface Warfare	Payload Compatible Mission Assignment

Propulsion System: 2 x Diesel Engine, 2 x Water Jet	Displacement: 9 Tons
Cruising Range: 400 nm at 10 knots	Max Speed > 40 knots
GCS: Portable & Modular	Return to Home In case of Emergency
Telescopic Mast up to 4 meters	Dimensions: 12.7 m x 3.3 m (lxw)
Hull: Vacuum Infusion, Advance Composite	Seaworthiness: Sea State 4

MAIN AI platform offers advanced capabilities

Nacar introduced Havelsan’s proprietary AI platform, MAIN, designed for diverse tasks like translation, software code generation, and summarizing texts. He emphasized its secure operation within corporate servers, ensuring sensitive data remains in-house.

MAIN also supports decision-making in military systems, integrating with the ADVENT Combat Management System.

What’s MAIN AI platform?

MAIN is an AI platform built with a unique language architecture that can be trained with an organization’s own data, operating either within a closed data network or on the internet.

MAIN enhances efficiency by optimizing business processes and provides a secure solution on local servers. It serves as a productive digital assistant with features such as question answering, language translation support, and content creation.

In addition to Türkye’s first Turkish Large Language Model infrastructure, MAIN integrates with the Large Image Model and Large Audio Model. Additionally, Havelsan’s Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) solution, which collects ontology-based data from the internet, is a component of the platform.

AI and advanced video analysis for enhanced security

The CEO noted Havelsan’s expertise in video analysis, crucial for urban security systems. The company’s AI-powered solutions can perform real-time facial recognition, license plate identification and detect missing persons, supporting both civilian and military applications.

ADVENT system expands international reach

Nacar revealed that Havelsan’s ADVENT Combat Management System is now deployed in six countries, with plans to increase the number of export markets to over 10 in the near future.

Efforts to integrate AI capabilities into ADVENT are ongoing to enhance operational efficiency.

Enhanced Situational Awareness and Advanced Warfare Capabilities	Fully Integrated Tactical Data Link (Link 11/16/22, SIMPLE, JREAP and VMF)
Capability Gained with Network Enabled Services	Scalability for Systems of Different Sizes, from Small Boats to Command Centers
A Structure Serving Defense and All Tasks Simultaneously in Multiple and Diverse Environment	Ability to Train without Disrupting Platform Operational Missions
Task Force Focused Capabilities, Including Joint Engagement and Training	Data Mining and Information Integration Services on Intelligence Data in Operational Environment
Compliance with all NATO Standard

Investment needed for MAIN’s public rollout

Nacar highlighted the potential for MAIN’s broader release, contingent on securing substantial investment. He pointed out the need for advanced AI chips and hardware to support public access, suggesting that significant funding could enable a general AI product from Havelsan.