Turkeys first AUSV launches
Turkeys first indigenous Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle (AUSV) has been launched with sea trials underway.
ARES Shipyard and METEKSAN Defence initiated Turkey’s first indigenous AUSV programme in October 2020. The remote controlled and autonomous ULAQ AUSV prototype vessel has been built from advanced composites and has 400km range, 65 km/h speed, day/night vision capabilities, and encrypted communication infrastructure, which can be operated from mobile vehicles and headquarters or from sea platforms such as aircraft carriers or frigates.
It will be used for missions like intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, surface warfare, asymmetric warfare, escort missions, strategic infrastructure protection. Following this prototype vessel, other USVs for activities including search and rescue will be ready to manufacture.
In a joint statement, Utku Alanç, chief executive officer of ARES Shipyard, and Selçuk K. Alparslan, general manager of METEKSAN Defence, stated: “In the field of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs); we would like to proudly announce that we have launched the first Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle of ULAQ series, and have initiated the intensive sea trials period.”
Able to host artificial intelligence, ULAQ AUSV will be equipped with different variations of communication and intelligence systems like jamming and electronic warfare systems to correspond diverse operational needs. The vessel will be able to carry out joint operations with other technology such as UAV’s, AUAV’s and TUAV’s.
The prototype AUSV’s missile systems are inclusive of 4 cells of Cirit and 2 of L-UMTAS, supplied by Turkish missile systems provider Roketsan. Firing tests are planned for Q1 2021.
Visit Ares Shipyard at Seawork 2021 on stand PG77
