Turkish Navy breaks new ground: Unmanned Surface Vehicles in Seawolf-II/2024 drill

Turkish Navy debuts Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicles (ASUVs) in Seawolf-II/2024 drill, showcasing modernization efforts and homegrown innovation

The Turkish Navy has taken an important step by actively deploying Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicles (ASUVs) in the ongoing Seawolf-II/2024 military drill. This is the first time such vehicles have participated in this drill, demonstrating the Navy’s commitment to modernizing its capabilities.

The Elite Observer Day, which was meticulously planned by the Turkish Naval Force, was carried out effectively on May 11 and was highly praised for its organization and execution.

The Seawolf-II/2024 military drill, which is scheduled to last until May 18, involves the participation of 94 surface ships, 7 unmanned naval vessels, 8 submarines, 10 maritime patrol aircraft, 16 helicopters, 28 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), 2 Special Assault Teams (SAT), 3 Special Assault Squadrons (SAS) and coastal troops.

Focus on homegrown innovation

The most important feature of the drill was the integration of domestically developed Unmanned Maritime Vehicles (UMVs). Elite observers, including S/UAV units, watched the drill from the TCG SALİHREİS Frigate.

MARLIN SIDA (TCB1101), an ASUV, developed by ASELSAN, Turkish defense corporation, sent greetings to TCG SALİHREİS. MARLIN, the first SIDA of the Turkish Navy, stands out with its remote-controlled weapon system and electronic warfare capabilities.

Successful ALBATROS-S UMV Tests

Three ALBATROS-S UMV units, also developed by ASELSAN, were deployed to support the TCG SALİHREİS Frigate. During the tests, these units demonstrated their effectiveness by successfully neutralizing a cargo ship identified as a target ship.

Exercise Seawolf-II/2024 marks the first deployment of ASUV/UMV systems by the Turkish Navy in a real operational environment.

The Seawolf-II/2024 exercise, commencing on Tuesday with the involvement of over 15,000 personnel, is set to run until May 18 in the vicinity of Marmaris in the Mediterranean Sea. Its primary aim is to assess the operational prowess of the Turkish Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard within a simulated combat setting.

Source: Newsroom