In a significant advancement for maritime defense technology, Meteksan Defense has partnered wiht Ares Shipyard in Antalya, Turkey, to unveil a groundbreaking Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) program. This initiative follows extensive research and advancement efforts, with a prototype from the Ulaq series set to commence on-water trials shortly.
the Ulaq USV is crafted from cutting-edge composite materials, boasting an impressive operational range of 400 kilometers and a maximum speed of 65 kilometers per hour. It is indeed equipped with advanced day and night vision capabilities,as well as secure interaction systems.This versatile vehicle can be remotely controlled from mobile units, command centers, or naval platforms like aircraft carriers and frigates. Its intended applications include intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), surface combat, asymmetric warfare, escort operations, and safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Once fully outfitted, the prototype will be deployed in the Mediterranean Sea. It will be armed with missile systems from Roketsan and equipped with a range of communication and intelligence technologies, including jamming and electronic warfare capabilities, to fulfill various mission objectives. The USV can operate autonomously or be remotely piloted, and it is indeed designed to conduct coordinated missions alongside other unmanned systems, such as UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles).
Following the prototype’s launch, Ares Shipyard and Meteksan Defense have plans to expand their USV offerings to include capabilities for surveillance, intelligence gathering, mine countermeasures, anti-submarine operations, firefighting, and search and rescue missions.
Utku Alanc, CEO of Ares Shipyard, expressed pride in the program’s launch, stating, “After years of dedicated engineering and investment, we are thrilled to introduce the first Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle.The AUSV, which will debut in December, is named after ‘Ulaq,’ a historical figure from turkish culture symbolizing remarkable skills and state portrayal. This vehicle embodies not only intelligence and experiance but also formidable combat capabilities.”
Selçuk Alparslan, CEO of Meteksan Defense, emphasized the strategic importance of maritime defense, notably in light of recent territorial disputes. “We recognize the critical need for protecting our ‘Blue Homeland,’ economic zones, and maritime borders. We are proud to leverage our technological expertise in communication and sensor systems to develop Turkey’s first Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle in collaboration with ARES Shipyard. In designing the platform’s essential electronic systems, we prioritized indigenous solutions while addressing the operational requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces,” he stated.
