ARES Shipyard and Meteksan Defense are set to deliver two new versions of the ULAQ unmanned surface vehicle to the Turkish Navy: the ULAQ 12 and the ULAQ KAMA. The ULAQ 12, designed for anti-surface operations, is a 12-meter vessel equipped with autonomous control capabilities and artificial intelligence for coordinating with other unmanned platforms. It features a modular design for customizable payloads, secure data transmission channels, and both day and night vision systems to enhance situational awareness. Armament includes a remotely operated combat module with a 12.7 mm machine gun, four Cirit missiles, and two L-UMTAS laser-guided anti-tank missiles from Roketsan. The ULAQ KAMA, a 6.5-meter kamikaze drone, is designed with a 200 kg warhead and employs target selection algorithms to engage naval assets autonomously, even in compromised communication scenarios. Both systems are currently undergoing testing, with initial deliveries expected to the Turkish fleet by the end of 2025. These developments signify a strategic enhancement of the Turkish Navy’s capabilities in unmanned warfare and surveillance operations.
