ULAQ Unmanned Sea Vehicle: New Innovations for Naval Forces
In a significant advancement for maritime security, Turkish firms ARES Shipyard and Meteksan Defense are set to supply the Turkish Naval Forces with two innovative versions of the ULAQ armed unmanned sea vehicle. According to reports from state agencies, this delivery will include the ULAQ 12 unmanned surface vessel, tailored for anti-surface warfare, and the kamikaze variant known as ULAQ KAMA. Both systems are currently in the testing phase and are expected to be operational within the year.
The ULAQ 12 ASuW is designed with cutting-edge technologies, featuring autonomous control and advanced artificial intelligence that facilitate coordinated operations with other unmanned platforms. This vessel boasts encrypted data communications for secure exchanges of information and is equipped with sophisticated day and night vision capabilities to enhance situational awareness in various operational contexts.
The ULAQ 12 ASuW: Cutting-Edge Maritime Technology
With a focus on modular design, the ULAQ 12 ASuW can integrate a range of payloads tailored to specific mission demands. It is armed with a 12.7 mm remote-controlled weapon station and a missile control system from Roketsan, enabling the launch of precise laser-guided munitions. The boat spans 12 meters (approximately 21 feet) in length, and recent initial tests have been promising, paving the way for its eventual delivery to the Turkish Navy following final assessments.
This unmanned vessel’s ability to perform multiple roles on the battlefield makes it a vital asset for modern naval operations. By leveraging automation and AI, the ULAQ 12 promises to improve operational efficiency while minimizing risks to human personnel during missions focused on surface threats.
ULAQ KAMA: A Novel Approach to Autonomous Warfare
In contrast, the ULAQ KAMA represents a unique strategic innovation in unmanned warfare. This kamikaze boat, measuring 6.5 meters (about 21 feet), is armed with a formidable 200-kilogram (440-pound) explosive payload, engineered to resist gunfire and shrapnel. What sets it apart is its advanced target selection algorithm, which enables autonomous engagement, even in scenarios where communication is compromised.
The ULAQ KAMA has successfully undergone rigorous testing for land detonation, demonstrating its reliability as a tactical asset. Additionally, it serves dual functions, functioning as a platform for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, thereby enhancing the operational capabilities of the naval fleet and contributing to comprehensive maritime security.
