Autonomous Maritime Vehicles in the Defense Industry

One of the most significant changes we can expect to see in the maritime sector in the coming years is the increasing adoption of autonomous technologies. In today's rapidly changing and developing world, the defense industry is constantly evolving in response to the demand for and need for advanced technologies. In this context, autonomous marine vehicles are causing a significant transformation in defense strategies. Autonomous marine vehicles are emerging as technological marvels capable of performing tasks autonomously without human intervention.

In this newsletter, we will focus on the growing importance and adoption trends of autonomous maritime vehicle technologies in the defense industry.

Autonomous Sea Vehicles in Defense Industry

The use of autonomous sea vehicles in the defense industry worldwide plays a significant role in various areas such as maritime security, submarine exploration and surveillance, mine clearance, and anti-submarine warfare. Autonomous sea vehicles, unlike traditional manned ships, are vehicles that perform their operations without human intervention, capable of self-navigation or remote control.

Surveillance and Exploration

Autonomous maritime vehicles can effectively perform surveillance and exploration missions in surface water, underwater, and atmospheric environments. Particularly used by border security, naval forces, and coastal security units, they can scan vast areas to detect threats and carry out monitoring tasks in specific regions.

Mine Sweeping

Autonomous maritime vehicles can detect and neutralize underwater mines in mine sweeping operations without risking human lives. This is an important application for ensuring the safety of ship traffic and clearing maritime routes.

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Autonomous maritime vehicles can be used to detect, track, and thwart enemy submarines. When equipped with appropriate sensors, they become an effective tool for detecting submarines and contributing to Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations. Versions equipped with torpedoes can pose a threat to submarines

The Use of Drones Over the Sea

Autonomous maritime vehicles can, in some cases, carry unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) over the water's surface. This allows for the creation of an integrated surveillance and reconnaissance network in both maritime and aerial domains, enabling a more comprehensive operational area.

Auxiliary Role on Corvettes and Frigates

Autonomous maritime vehicles, when integrated into naval vessels like corvettes and frigates, can enhance their surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, particularly for tasks such as perimeter monitoring and specific mission assignments.

UUV (Unmanned Underwater Vehicle)

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) are autonomous vehicles that can operate in the marine environment without human intervention, typically working by remote control or following predetermined routes. UUVs are often referred to as autonomous maritime vehicles and are used to perform various tasks at sea.

UUVs come in different types and can operate on the water surface, underwater, or beneath the surface.

USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle)

Sancar

These are vehicles that move on the water surface and are typically controlled remotely. They are used in various areas such as maritime surveillance, exploration, cargo transportation, border security, and environmental monitoring.

UUV (Unmanned Underwater Vehicle)

STM 500

These are vehicles capable of operating underwater and performing underwater missions. They can be used for exploration, underwater mine clearance, anti-submarine operations, and scientific research.

ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle)

steller mini rov

 These are vehicles that can move underwater and perform various tasks beneath the surface. They are used for underwater exploration, dive support operations, underwater construction, and environmental studies.

USV (Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle)

Armed Unmanned Marine Vehicle

This is a general term for unmanned surface vehicles equipped with weapons. They can perform air defense, surface warfare, and underwater defense. They play a significant role in maritime warfare, anti-submarine operations, and coastal security.

AUSV (Armed Unmanned Submerged Vehicle)

remus300

These are armed unmanned underwater vehicles capable of diving and surfacing. They are in the development stage due to the difficulty of underwater communication.

KUSV (Kamikaze Unmanned Sea Vehicle)

HAVELSAN Çaka kamikaze

KUSV is an armed unmanned sea vehicle that can be used for both underwater and surface missions. It can attack targets from both underwater and above. The name is derived from the Japanese kamikaze attacks during World War II, where they sacrificed their own planes to carry out attacks.

The "Kama" system, a first in the Turkish Defense Industry, allows kamikaze vehicles to hide underwater using angled surfaces to reduce radar visibility. Kama has the capability to launch rapid attacks by approaching the target's detection range and then surfacing. It can also bypass enemy defense systems in multiple attacks to neutralize the target.

While the first two KUSV vehicles were destroyed, the third one reached its target and caused damage to the target ship upon detonation. Ares Shipyard and Meteksan Defense produce the "Kama'' sea vehicle, while Havelsan produces the "Çaka" sea vehicle.

Countries Mainly Working on Unmanned Naval Vehicles in the Defense Industry

There are several countries involved in the defense industry focusing on autonomous maritime vehicles. Among the most prominent ones are the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Israel, and Turkey.

The United States

SEAHUNTER ABD

Due to factors such as being a continental power, having a significant portion of its military forces deployed far from the mainland, and having coastlines along oceans, the United States has configured autonomous technologies for logistical purposes. In the field of unmanned naval vehicles, the United States, boasting one of the world's largest maritime industries, has numerous projects. Among them, the "Adaro," with dimensions ranging from 1-2 meters, and the 40-meter "Seahunter" stand out as internationally renowned ocean-crossing unmanned autonomous vehicles.

Mini Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs)

The navigational challenges posed by the Strait of Hormuz have hindered the United States from deploying its aircraft carrier power to the Persian Gulf. To maintain effectiveness and presence in these regions, the U.S. has initiated numerous projects involving mini Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). In addition to the 8-meter-long USVs for ensuring the security of the Oman Sea, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, there are also efforts to develop 2-meter-long mini USVs. These USVs will be utilized not only for information gathering but also for monitoring maritime traffic and protecting commercial vessels from piracy.

Large Unmanned Surface Vehicles (Large Unmanned Surface Vehicle) in the United States

Spearhead Class Expeditionary Fast Transport Ships

USNS Apalachicola

The Spearhead class expeditionary fast transport ships are designed to rapidly transport a battalion-sized military force and critical cargo to almost anywhere in the world under any conditions. These ships can also provide logistical support in natural disaster situations. Notably, the USNS Apalachicola is capable of sailing for up to 30 days without human intervention.

Ranger Class Expeditionary Fast Transport Ships:

The United States plans to use Ranger class transport ships to increase its logistical capacity. Testing activities for these ships have been accelerated. In September 2021, an unmanned surface vessel (USV) from the Ranger class was equipped with a four-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launch System for launching a Standard Missile-6 from its deck. This vessel also carries a virtualized Aegis Weapon System package.

China

It is known that China has a significant interest in unmanned and autonomous marine vehicles to enhance its maritime security and naval capabilities. China has been focusing on the development of various marine vehicles, including submarines, surface ships, and unmanned maritime vehicles.

In the South China Sea, a geopolitically and commercially critical region, China has short-range Unmanned Maritime Vehicle (UMV) projects aimed at monitoring commercial activities. Given the distance of the U.S. mainland from the region, larger and more displacement vessels are required, which has important implications for the developed UMVs.

In 2019, China introduced an unmanned maritime vehicle called JARI-USV. This vehicle is approximately 15 meters long and has a displacement of 20 tons. It is equipped with capabilities for air defense, anti-ship, and anti-submarine missions, including phased-array radar systems, vertical launch systems, and torpedoes.

JARI-USV

The JARI-USV is armed with a 30mm gun mounted on the front deck and a laser-guided rocket compartment. It also features various weapon systems, including a four-cell vertical launch system (VLS). The vessel has a central location for surface-to-air missiles (SAM) and 324mm torpedo tubes for anti-submarine warfare.

Sea Hunter

China Sea Hunter

The primary purpose of Sea Hunter is to be armed for use in anti-submarine and mine-hunting missions. To achieve this, the vehicle is designed to carry planned weapons and electronic warfare systems. Sea Hunter incorporates an active and passive sonar system, allowing it to detect and track submarines. Once a hostile submarine is detected, Sea Hunter can carry and launch 3 Mk-54 lightweight torpedoes or 6 very lightweight CRAW torpedoes to engage and neutralize the target.

England:

The UK's Ministry of Defence is collaborating with Sonardyne, a company specializing in underwater robotic technology, to develop navigation systems for autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs). The research involves the SEA-KIT X class, a 12-meter-long Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), which is currently being equipped with sensors commonly used in underwater autonomous vehicles.

MADFOX İDA

Additionally, the Madfox USV, designed for high-speed operation with a length of 13 meters, offers remote-controlled capabilities. Madfox has demonstrated the ability to perform some tasks autonomously with the support of the MAPLE autonomous command and control system. It is particularly well-suited for support and protection missions for naval vessels and utilizes secure communication technologies.

Israel:

Israel exports its autonomous maritime vehicles to various countries worldwide, contributing to strengthening Israel's maritime defense capabilities and regional maritime security. Some of Israel's autonomous maritime vehicles include:

IAI Blue Whale: This 12-meter-long vehicle is a mini-submarine designed for detecting submarines and collecting acoustic intelligence.

Elbit Systems Seagull: With a length of 12 meters, the Seagull is an unmanned surface vehicle capable of performing various missions, including mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, and reconnaissance.

Seagull

Rafael Sea Hunter: The Sea Hunter, measuring 10 meters in length, is designed for detecting and neutralizing submarines, serving as an unmanned surface vehicle specialized in anti-submarine warfare.

Autonomous Maritime Technologies in the Turkish Defense Industry

Significant efforts are being made in Turkey in the field of autonomous/unmanned marine vehicle technologies within the defense industry. These endeavors are primarily aligned with the needs of the Turkish Navy.

Having unmanned maritime vehicles (UMVs) at nearly every level will increase operational flexibility by allowing them to operate with humans on board when the specific mission's risk factors and task precision require human involvement. Türk Loydu's involvement in projects like Marlin and Sancar, among others, is at the third level of autonomy, which means they can operate with human assistance when necessary.

When we take a look at the unmanned maritime vehicles (UMVs) produced in Turkey, we see various models such as ULAQ, SALVO, MARLIN, ALBATROS, MİR, and SANCAR. These UMVs are generally designed to protect Turkey's interests in the Aegean Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea. Their ability to be transported to countries bordering the sea, including Turkey's allies, enhances their operational flexibility. UMVs can be transported by aircraft, carried by trucks, or launched and retrieved from the sea using cranes. They can also enter and exit the floating pool of the TCG ANADOLU, a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship owned by the Turkish Navy.

The primary purpose of these UMVs is to patrol and secure maritime areas, especially in the Aegean Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea, within Turkey's continental shelf and exclusive economic zone. Additionally, UMVs with detection and disposal capabilities can be used to address the mine problem that emerged in the Black Sea after the Russia-Ukraine war.

These vehicles aim to defend Turkey's national interests at sea, enhance maritime security, and provide effective intervention in crisis situations. UMVs operating in strategic regions like the Aegean Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea contribute significantly to Turkey's maritime security and defense strategies, reflecting the country's commitment to protecting its sovereignty.

RD-09 MARLIN UMV

MARLIN UMV

RD-09 UMV, whose classification services are provided by Türk Loydu, is a series of unmanned maritime vehicles developed in partnership with SEFİNE Shipyard and ASELSAN under Türk Loydu classification. This family comprises versatile vehicles that can be used for various missions, including surface and underwater warfare, mine countermeasures, and intelligence and reconnaissance.

Dimensions: 14.75 x 3.85 x 0.85 meters

Displacement: 26 tons

Speed: 32 knots

NB57 MİR UMV

NB57 MİR UMV

Design and concept studies for NB57, classified by Türk Loydu and built in collaboration with SEFİNE Shipyard and ASELSAN, began in 2019. These unmanned maritime vehicles are designed for missions such as reconnaissance, surface and underwater warfare, and base/port protection. Both vehicles can reach speeds of up to 74 km/h and have a range of 600 nautical miles, allowing them to operate effectively in challenging maritime conditions.

Dimensions: 15 meters

Displacement: 21 tons

Speed: 36+ knots

ALBATROS SWARM UMV

ALBATROS SWARM UMV

The ALBATROS SWARM UMV is an unmanned marine vehicle swarm system developed and produced by ASELSAN. It has high autonomy capabilities and can navigate and perform tasks in a swarm formation independently of central control. The ALBATROS SWARM UMV is a highly advanced vehicle in its class and is used as a significant asset by naval forces. This success in Turkey's defense industry has positioned the country as one of the world leaders in unmanned maritime vehicles.

Technical Specifications

Length: 7.20 meters

Speed: 40 knots (74.08 km/h)

Cruising Range: 200 Nm (370 km)

SALVO UMV

SALVO UMV

SALVO is an unmanned maritime vehicle family produced and developed by Dearsan Shipyard, ASELSAN, and Roketsan, with classification services provided by Türk Loydu. In a firing test conducted on May 25, 2022, SALVO successfully hit a moving target with a CİRİT missile from the YALMAN missile system off the coast of Bursa. It then successfully performed a 12.7 mm firing from a stabilized weapon system on another moving target on the water's surface.

Technical Specifications

Length: 15 meters

Speed: 60 knots

Range: 300+ Nm (550 km)

ULAQ UMV Family

ULAQ UMV

Developed in collaboration between ARES Shipyard and METEKSAN Defense, "ULAQ UMV" is an unmanned platform that offers a wide range of functions. Türk Loydu has also issued a boat suitability declaration for ULAQ UMV. The ULAQ SİDA family includes various models designed for different purposes, such as coastal security, firefighting, patrol missions, mine clearance, intelligence gathering, electronic warfare, and ship defense. The platform is equipped with the Atılgan weapon turret, allowing it to use various weapon systems.

Technical Specifications

Length: 11 meters

Maximum Speed: 35 Knots (65 km/h)

Range: 215 Nm (400 km)

SANCAR UMV

SANCAR UMV

Developed in collaboration between YONCA-ONUK Shipyard and HAVELSAN, the SANCAR Armed Unmanned Marine Vehicle (UMV) is designed to perform tasks such as reconnaissance, surface warfare, mine detection, and underwater defense in an unmanned manner. This project also involved Türk Loydu in an R&D project for evaluating the class dimension of unmanned use. SANCAR UMV offers the capability to perform economic missions with various payload options.

SANCAR UMV Features:

• Equipped with a 12.7mm anti-aircraft system for surface warfare and can integrate the Yalman weapon turret produced by Roketsan.
• Can detect and identify threat levels with the Denizgözü Kırlangıç system and intervene with defense systems.
• Has different warfare modes: surface, underwater, and air defense warfare.
• Features ARES-NC2N electronic support system for passive signal intelligence, signal range extension, and information sharing. In active mode, it can deceive and disrupt enemy systems.
• Can conduct underwater listening using sonobuoys and perform underwater defense with DSH rockets.
• Can conduct underwater attacks on enemy submarines through lightweight torpedoes. Torpedoes can be carried with an additional floating cradle.

Technical Specifications

Length: 12.7 meters

Width: 3.8 meters

Speed: 40 knots

Range: 400 Nm

Türk Loydu

Türk Loydu plays a significant role in supporting the development of autonomous maritime vehicles in the domestic defense industry. In this context, Türk Loydu has provided classification services for the 'Marlin' Underwater Unmanned Maritime Vehicle (UUV) produced in collaboration with Aselsan and Sefine Shipyard, as well as the 'Sancar' UUV designed and produced in collaboration between Yonca Onuk and Havelsan. Additionally, Türk Loydu has issued vessel suitability declarations for the Ulaq vehicle, participating in activities in this field.

 

Türk Loydu aims to develop and promote the use of national and indigenous autonomous maritime vehicles. To achieve this goal, Türk Loydu collaborates with defense industry companies, striving to develop reliable and effective autonomous maritime vehicles that meet the needs of the Turkish Navy and other maritime security units. Türk Loydu's efforts in this field aim to contribute to Turkey's stronger position in the global defense industry.

Autonomous maritime vehicles can play a crucial role in areas such as maritime security, environmental monitoring, and search and rescue operations. Türk Loydu's support in the development of national and indigenous autonomous maritime vehicles is seen as an important step toward the future success of the Turkish defense industry.

One of the most significant changes we can expect to see in the maritime sector in the coming years is the increasing adoption of autonomous technologies. In today's rapidly changing and developing world, the defense industry is constantly evolving in response to the demand for and need for advanced technologies. In this context, autonomous marine vehicles are causing a significant transformation in defense strategies. Autonomous marine vehicles are emerging as technological marvels capable of performing tasks autonomously without human intervention.

In this newsletter, we will focus on the growing importance and adoption trends of autonomous maritime vehicle technologies in the defense industry.

Autonomous Sea Vehicles in Defense Industry

The use of autonomous sea vehicles in the defense industry worldwide plays a significant role in various areas such as maritime security, submarine exploration and surveillance, mine clearance, and anti-submarine warfare. Autonomous sea vehicles, unlike traditional manned ships, are vehicles that perform their operations without human intervention, capable of self-navigation or remote control.

Surveillance and Exploration

Autonomous maritime vehicles can effectively perform surveillance and exploration missions in surface water, underwater, and atmospheric environments. Particularly used by border security, naval forces, and coastal security units, they can scan vast areas to detect threats and carry out monitoring tasks in specific regions.

Mine Sweeping

Autonomous maritime vehicles can detect and neutralize underwater mines in mine sweeping operations without risking human lives. This is an important application for ensuring the safety of ship traffic and clearing maritime routes.

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Autonomous maritime vehicles can be used to detect, track, and thwart enemy submarines. When equipped with appropriate sensors, they become an effective tool for detecting submarines and contributing to Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations. Versions equipped with torpedoes can pose a threat to submarines

The Use of Drones Over the Sea

Autonomous maritime vehicles can, in some cases, carry unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) over the water's surface. This allows for the creation of an integrated surveillance and reconnaissance network in both maritime and aerial domains, enabling a more comprehensive operational area.

Auxiliary Role on Corvettes and Frigates

Autonomous maritime vehicles, when integrated into naval vessels like corvettes and frigates, can enhance their surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, particularly for tasks such as perimeter monitoring and specific mission assignments.

UUV (Unmanned Underwater Vehicle)

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) are autonomous vehicles that can operate in the marine environment without human intervention, typically working by remote control or following predetermined routes. UUVs are often referred to as autonomous maritime vehicles and are used to perform various tasks at sea.

UUVs come in different types and can operate on the water surface, underwater, or beneath the surface.

USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle)

Sancar

These are vehicles that move on the water surface and are typically controlled remotely. They are used in various areas such as maritime surveillance, exploration, cargo transportation, border security, and environmental monitoring.

UUV (Unmanned Underwater Vehicle)

STM 500

These are vehicles capable of operating underwater and performing underwater missions. They can be used for exploration, underwater mine clearance, anti-submarine operations, and scientific research.

ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle)

steller mini rov

 These are vehicles that can move underwater and perform various tasks beneath the surface. They are used for underwater exploration, dive support operations, underwater construction, and environmental studies.

USV (Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle)

Armed Unmanned Marine Vehicle

This is a general term for unmanned surface vehicles equipped with weapons. They can perform air defense, surface warfare, and underwater defense. They play a significant role in maritime warfare, anti-submarine operations, and coastal security.

AUSV (Armed Unmanned Submerged Vehicle)

remus300

These are armed unmanned underwater vehicles capable of diving and surfacing. They are in the development stage due to the difficulty of underwater communication.

KUSV (Kamikaze Unmanned Sea Vehicle)

HAVELSAN Çaka kamikaze

KUSV is an armed unmanned sea vehicle that can be used for both underwater and surface missions. It can attack targets from both underwater and above. The name is derived from the Japanese kamikaze attacks during World War II, where they sacrificed their own planes to carry out attacks.

The "Kama" system, a first in the Turkish Defense Industry, allows kamikaze vehicles to hide underwater using angled surfaces to reduce radar visibility. Kama has the capability to launch rapid attacks by approaching the target's detection range and then surfacing. It can also bypass enemy defense systems in multiple attacks to neutralize the target.

While the first two KUSV vehicles were destroyed, the third one reached its target and caused damage to the target ship upon detonation. Ares Shipyard and Meteksan Defense produce the "Kama'' sea vehicle, while Havelsan produces the "Çaka" sea vehicle.

Countries Mainly Working on Unmanned Naval Vehicles in the Defense Industry

There are several countries involved in the defense industry focusing on autonomous maritime vehicles. Among the most prominent ones are the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Israel, and Turkey.

The United States

SEAHUNTER ABD

Due to factors such as being a continental power, having a significant portion of its military forces deployed far from the mainland, and having coastlines along oceans, the United States has configured autonomous technologies for logistical purposes. In the field of unmanned naval vehicles, the United States, boasting one of the world's largest maritime industries, has numerous projects. Among them, the "Adaro," with dimensions ranging from 1-2 meters, and the 40-meter "Seahunter" stand out as internationally renowned ocean-crossing unmanned autonomous vehicles.

Mini Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs)

The navigational challenges posed by the Strait of Hormuz have hindered the United States from deploying its aircraft carrier power to the Persian Gulf. To maintain effectiveness and presence in these regions, the U.S. has initiated numerous projects involving mini Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). In addition to the 8-meter-long USVs for ensuring the security of the Oman Sea, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, there are also efforts to develop 2-meter-long mini USVs. These USVs will be utilized not only for information gathering but also for monitoring maritime traffic and protecting commercial vessels from piracy.

Large Unmanned Surface Vehicles (Large Unmanned Surface Vehicle) in the United States

Spearhead Class Expeditionary Fast Transport Ships

USNS Apalachicola

The Spearhead class expeditionary fast transport ships are designed to rapidly transport a battalion-sized military force and critical cargo to almost anywhere in the world under any conditions. These ships can also provide logistical support in natural disaster situations. Notably, the USNS Apalachicola is capable of sailing for up to 30 days without human intervention.

Ranger Class Expeditionary Fast Transport Ships:

The United States plans to use Ranger class transport ships to increase its logistical capacity. Testing activities for these ships have been accelerated. In September 2021, an unmanned surface vessel (USV) from the Ranger class was equipped with a four-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launch System for launching a Standard Missile-6 from its deck. This vessel also carries a virtualized Aegis Weapon System package.

China

It is known that China has a significant interest in unmanned and autonomous marine vehicles to enhance its maritime security and naval capabilities. China has been focusing on the development of various marine vehicles, including submarines, surface ships, and unmanned maritime vehicles.

In the South China Sea, a geopolitically and commercially critical region, China has short-range Unmanned Maritime Vehicle (UMV) projects aimed at monitoring commercial activities. Given the distance of the U.S. mainland from the region, larger and more displacement vessels are required, which has important implications for the developed UMVs.

In 2019, China introduced an unmanned maritime vehicle called JARI-USV. This vehicle is approximately 15 meters long and has a displacement of 20 tons. It is equipped with capabilities for air defense, anti-ship, and anti-submarine missions, including phased-array radar systems, vertical launch systems, and torpedoes.

JARI-USV

The JARI-USV is armed with a 30mm gun mounted on the front deck and a laser-guided rocket compartment. It also features various weapon systems, including a four-cell vertical launch system (VLS). The vessel has a central location for surface-to-air missiles (SAM) and 324mm torpedo tubes for anti-submarine warfare.

Sea Hunter

China Sea Hunter

The primary purpose of Sea Hunter is to be armed for use in anti-submarine and mine-hunting missions. To achieve this, the vehicle is designed to carry planned weapons and electronic warfare systems. Sea Hunter incorporates an active and passive sonar system, allowing it to detect and track submarines. Once a hostile submarine is detected, Sea Hunter can carry and launch 3 Mk-54 lightweight torpedoes or 6 very lightweight CRAW torpedoes to engage and neutralize the target.

England:

The UK's Ministry of Defence is collaborating with Sonardyne, a company specializing in underwater robotic technology, to develop navigation systems for autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs). The research involves the SEA-KIT X class, a 12-meter-long Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), which is currently being equipped with sensors commonly used in underwater autonomous vehicles.

MADFOX İDA

Additionally, the Madfox USV, designed for high-speed operation with a length of 13 meters, offers remote-controlled capabilities. Madfox has demonstrated the ability to perform some tasks autonomously with the support of the MAPLE autonomous command and control system. It is particularly well-suited for support and protection missions for naval vessels and utilizes secure communication technologies.

Israel:

Israel exports its autonomous maritime vehicles to various countries worldwide, contributing to strengthening Israel's maritime defense capabilities and regional maritime security. Some of Israel's autonomous maritime vehicles include:

IAI Blue Whale: This 12-meter-long vehicle is a mini-submarine designed for detecting submarines and collecting acoustic intelligence.

Elbit Systems Seagull: With a length of 12 meters, the Seagull is an unmanned surface vehicle capable of performing various missions, including mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, and reconnaissance.

Seagull

Rafael Sea Hunter: The Sea Hunter, measuring 10 meters in length, is designed for detecting and neutralizing submarines, serving as an unmanned surface vehicle specialized in anti-submarine warfare.

Autonomous Maritime Technologies in the Turkish Defense Industry

Significant efforts are being made in Turkey in the field of autonomous/unmanned marine vehicle technologies within the defense industry. These endeavors are primarily aligned with the needs of the Turkish Navy.

Having unmanned maritime vehicles (UMVs) at nearly every level will increase operational flexibility by allowing them to operate with humans on board when the specific mission's risk factors and task precision require human involvement. Türk Loydu's involvement in projects like Marlin and Sancar, among others, is at the third level of autonomy, which means they can operate with human assistance when necessary.

When we take a look at the unmanned maritime vehicles (UMVs) produced in Turkey, we see various models such as ULAQ, SALVO, MARLIN, ALBATROS, MİR, and SANCAR. These UMVs are generally designed to protect Turkey's interests in the Aegean Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea. Their ability to be transported to countries bordering the sea, including Turkey's allies, enhances their operational flexibility. UMVs can be transported by aircraft, carried by trucks, or launched and retrieved from the sea using cranes. They can also enter and exit the floating pool of the TCG ANADOLU, a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship owned by the Turkish Navy.

The primary purpose of these UMVs is to patrol and secure maritime areas, especially in the Aegean Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea, within Turkey's continental shelf and exclusive economic zone. Additionally, UMVs with detection and disposal capabilities can be used to address the mine problem that emerged in the Black Sea after the Russia-Ukraine war.

These vehicles aim to defend Turkey's national interests at sea, enhance maritime security, and provide effective intervention in crisis situations. UMVs operating in strategic regions like the Aegean Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea contribute significantly to Turkey's maritime security and defense strategies, reflecting the country's commitment to protecting its sovereignty.

RD-09 MARLIN UMV

MARLIN UMV

RD-09 UMV, whose classification services are provided by Türk Loydu, is a series of unmanned maritime vehicles developed in partnership with SEFİNE Shipyard and ASELSAN under Türk Loydu classification. This family comprises versatile vehicles that can be used for various missions, including surface and underwater warfare, mine countermeasures, and intelligence and reconnaissance.

Dimensions: 14.75 x 3.85 x 0.85 meters

Displacement: 26 tons

Speed: 32 knots

NB57 MİR UMV

NB57 MİR UMV

Design and concept studies for NB57, classified by Türk Loydu and built in collaboration with SEFİNE Shipyard and ASELSAN, began in 2019. These unmanned maritime vehicles are designed for missions such as reconnaissance, surface and underwater warfare, and base/port protection. Both vehicles can reach speeds of up to 74 km/h and have a range of 600 nautical miles, allowing them to operate effectively in challenging maritime conditions.

Dimensions: 15 meters

Displacement: 21 tons

Speed: 36+ knots

ALBATROS SWARM UMV

ALBATROS SWARM UMV

The ALBATROS SWARM UMV is an unmanned marine vehicle swarm system developed and produced by ASELSAN. It has high autonomy capabilities and can navigate and perform tasks in a swarm formation independently of central control. The ALBATROS SWARM UMV is a highly advanced vehicle in its class and is used as a significant asset by naval forces. This success in Turkey's defense industry has positioned the country as one of the world leaders in unmanned maritime vehicles.

Technical Specifications

Length: 7.20 meters

Speed: 40 knots (74.08 km/h)

Cruising Range: 200 Nm (370 km)

SALVO UMV

SALVO UMV

SALVO is an unmanned maritime vehicle family produced and developed by Dearsan Shipyard, ASELSAN, and Roketsan, with classification services provided by Türk Loydu. In a firing test conducted on May 25, 2022, SALVO successfully hit a moving target with a CİRİT missile from the YALMAN missile system off the coast of Bursa. It then successfully performed a 12.7 mm firing from a stabilized weapon system on another moving target on the water's surface.

Technical Specifications

Length: 15 meters

Speed: 60 knots

Range: 300+ Nm (550 km)

ULAQ UMV Family

ULAQ UMV

Developed in collaboration between ARES Shipyard and METEKSAN Defense, "ULAQ UMV" is an unmanned platform that offers a wide range of functions. Türk Loydu has also issued a boat suitability declaration for ULAQ UMV. The ULAQ SİDA family includes various models designed for different purposes, such as coastal security, firefighting, patrol missions, mine clearance, intelligence gathering, electronic warfare, and ship defense. The platform is equipped with the Atılgan weapon turret, allowing it to use various weapon systems.

Technical Specifications

Length: 11 meters

Maximum Speed: 35 Knots (65 km/h)

Range: 215 Nm (400 km)

SANCAR UMV

SANCAR UMV

Developed in collaboration between YONCA-ONUK Shipyard and HAVELSAN, the SANCAR Armed Unmanned Marine Vehicle (UMV) is designed to perform tasks such as reconnaissance, surface warfare, mine detection, and underwater defense in an unmanned manner. This project also involved Türk Loydu in an R&D project for evaluating the class dimension of unmanned use. SANCAR UMV offers the capability to perform economic missions with various payload options.

SANCAR UMV Features:

• Equipped with a 12.7mm anti-aircraft system for surface warfare and can integrate the Yalman weapon turret produced by Roketsan.
• Can detect and identify threat levels with the Denizgözü Kırlangıç system and intervene with defense systems.
• Has different warfare modes: surface, underwater, and air defense warfare.
• Features ARES-NC2N electronic support system for passive signal intelligence, signal range extension, and information sharing. In active mode, it can deceive and disrupt enemy systems.
• Can conduct underwater listening using sonobuoys and perform underwater defense with DSH rockets.
• Can conduct underwater attacks on enemy submarines through lightweight torpedoes. Torpedoes can be carried with an additional floating cradle.

Technical Specifications

Length: 12.7 meters

Width: 3.8 meters

Speed: 40 knots

Range: 400 Nm

Türk Loydu

Türk Loydu plays a significant role in supporting the development of autonomous maritime vehicles in the domestic defense industry. In this context, Türk Loydu has provided classification services for the 'Marlin' Underwater Unmanned Maritime Vehicle (UUV) produced in collaboration with Aselsan and Sefine Shipyard, as well as the 'Sancar' UUV designed and produced in collaboration between Yonca Onuk and Havelsan. Additionally, Türk Loydu has issued vessel suitability declarations for the Ulaq vehicle, participating in activities in this field.

 

Türk Loydu aims to develop and promote the use of national and indigenous autonomous maritime vehicles. To achieve this goal, Türk Loydu collaborates with defense industry companies, striving to develop reliable and effective autonomous maritime vehicles that meet the needs of the Turkish Navy and other maritime security units. Türk Loydu's efforts in this field aim to contribute to Turkey's stronger position in the global defense industry.

Autonomous maritime vehicles can play a crucial role in areas such as maritime security, environmental monitoring, and search and rescue operations. Türk Loydu's support in the development of national and indigenous autonomous maritime vehicles is seen as an important step toward the future success of the Turkish defense industry.