Advancements in Unmanned Naval Technology: ULAQ’s Successful Missile Tests

meteksan Defense has marked a significant milestone by conducting successful missile firing tests with its ULAQ armed unmanned surface vehicle (USV), developed in collaboration with ARES Shipyard. these tests were part of the Turkish Navy’s sea Wolf 2021 naval exercise, where two CIRIT laser-guided missiles effectively struck their designated targets.

Operational Excellence in Testing

Positioned in the southern region of Antalya Bay alongside manned naval platforms, the ULAQ USV was remotely operated from a Mobile Coastal Control station (MCCS) and navigated to the designated firing zone. The operation was supported by vessels from the Naval Forces Command and the Coast Guard Command. Upon target detection through its onboard sensors, the ULAQ successfully launched the missiles, achieving direct hits.

Capabilities of the ULAQ USV

as Turkey’s inaugural armed unmanned surface vehicle, the ULAQ can be deployed from various platforms, including mobile land units, fixed command centers, and naval vessels like aircraft carriers and frigates. its versatility makes it suitable for a range of missions, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), surface warfare, asymmetric warfare, armed escort, force protection, and securing critical infrastructure.

Advanced Technology and Configurability

This autonomous platform, powered by artificial intelligence, is outfitted with four CIRIT and two L-UMTAS missile systems from Turkey’s ROKETSAN. Additionally, it can be customized with various payloads, including extended-range surface-to-surface, surface-to-ground, and surface-to-air missiles, as well as electronic warfare capabilities, jamming systems, and advanced interaction and intelligence tools.The ULAQ can operate in tandem with othre unmanned surface vehicles and both manned and unmanned aircraft.

Official Oversight and Future Developments

The missile tests were observed by high-ranking officials from turkey’s Presidency of Defence Industries, the Ministry of Defense, and the Turkish Naval Forces Command, along with the Coast Guard Command.

The ULAQ’s development is just the beginning of a broader initiative led by ARES Shipyard and Meteksan Defence. Future phases will focus on creating variants for intelligence gathering, electronic warfare, mine detection, anti-submarine operations, firefighting, and humanitarian assistance.

Commitment to Naval Strength

Prof. dr. İsmail Demir,President of Defence Industries,emphasized the necessity of a robust naval force to safeguard Turkey’s interests in the Blue Homeland,particularly in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean regions. He stated,“To equip our Naval Forces with the necessary platforms,we will persist in our collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Defense,General Staff,Naval Forces Command,and other relevant entities.We have achieved an indigenous production rate of up to 70% in our projects, and we aim to enhance this further.”

He added, “We are entering an era where we are witnessing innovations akin to game-changing UAVs, now emerging in land vehicles, surface vessels, and submarines. We recognize that future combat scenarios will involve integrated unmanned systems, and we are committed to advancing our initiatives in this domain.”