ULAQ unmanned naval vehicles to bolster Türkiye’s maritime defense
Türkiye's "ULAQ KAMA Expendable Unmanned Surface Vehicle" also known as kamikaze USV (AA Photo)
The latest models of Türkiye’s first armed unmanned surface vehicle (AUSV), the ULAQ 12 ASuW Surface Warfare Boat and the ULAQ KAMA Expendable Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), will enter service with the Turkish Navy this year, enhancing its maritime defense capabilities.
Developed by ARES Shipyard and Meteksan Defense at the Antalya Free Zone, the new ULAQ variants are designed for specialized naval operations, including anti-surface warfare and submarine defense.
Advanced weapon systems and testing
As part of the project, the ULAQ 12 ASuW has been developed for anti-surface warfare missions.
The 12-meter-long vessel is equipped with a remotely controlled 12.7 mm weapon station and Roketsan‘s Tactical Missile Control System, which can fire laser-guided missiles.
The vessel has successfully completed its initial tests, and after a second phase of trials, it is scheduled to be delivered to the Turkish Navy within the first quarter of this year.
Another significant addition to the ULAQ family is the ULAQ KAMA Expendable Unmanned Surface Vehicle, developed through collaboration between ARES Shipyard and Meteksan Defense, with its explosive payload designed by Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE).
Equipped with insensitive munitions that do not detonate upon impact from bullets or shrapnel, ULAQ KAMA has already passed ground-based detonation tests.
The vessel will also be integrated into the Turkish Navy’s inventory this year.
Strategic enhancements and unique capabilities
ARES Shipyard General Manager Oguzhan Pehlivanli emphasized that following the prototype delivery of Türkiye’s first armed unmanned surface vehicle, they continued developing new models based on operational needs.
“We developed the ULAQ 12 ASuW boat in line with the demands of state institutions. By the end of 2021, we began its construction, launched it, and completed preliminary testing. By the end of this month, we will finalize the second phase of testing and deliver it for operational use by the Turkish Naval Forces,” Pehlivanli stated.
Regarding ULAQ KAMA, Pehlivanli noted its distinctiveness from similar unmanned kamikaze boats used in global conflicts, particularly in the Russia-Ukraine war.
“Unlike its counterparts, ULAQ KAMA features an advanced target selection algorithm. One of the biggest challenges in naval warfare is counteracting electronic warfare countermeasures. Our system ensures that even if communication is disrupted, the vessel can autonomously identify and engage targets based on mission parameters. This capability is not available in similar platforms worldwide, making it a major technological advancement,” Pehlivanli explained.
He also pointed out that existing kamikaze boats in conflict zones are often neutralized before reaching their targets. To address this, ULAQ KAMA has been designed with a reduced radar signature and is equipped with an advanced explosive payload developed by MKE, allowing it to remain operational even if struck by bullets or shrapnel.
The vessel, measuring 6.5 meters in length, carries a 200-kilogram payload and is designed to maintain stability even under fire.
Growing global demand for ULAQ series
Pehlivanli also highlighted the increasing international interest in Türkiye’s ULAQ models.
He recalled the successful export of the first ULAQ armed unmanned surface vehicle to Qatar and emphasized the ongoing negotiations with multiple countries and institutions for future sales.
“We are in talks with several nations and organizations for export deals. Demand for the ULAQ models is exceptionally high. We take pride in our work and expect to announce additional international sales this year,” he said.
Pehlivanli also underscored the strategic shift toward unmanned and autonomous defense systems, stating, “Unmanned systems have become game-changers, and in many cases, they now define the battlefield. The most valuable asset is human life, and whether in the air or at sea, autonomous platforms provide the most effective solution for protecting personnel and national interests. We are committed to further advancing these technologies.”
