Developed by the Turkish companies Ares Shipyard and Meteksan Defence, Turkey’s first armed unmanned surface vessel ULAQ prototype has completed sea trials, the state-owned TRT reported.
Ares launched the ULAQ’s prototype in January 2021 and has been conducting sea trials in the vicinity of Antalya Bay since then.
“We launched the first member of ULAQ USV family in January, and now we have completed the sea trials of the vessel. The drone is now operational. It is completely indigenous, and its payload is developed by Roketsan.” said Ozgun Utku Alanc, CEO of Ares Shipyard.
“During the trials, it conducted several simulated missile firings. The prototype will be completed after launching Roketsan-made L-UMTAS and Cirit missiles, which will be conducted in the next days.” Mr Alanc added.
“We have designed different types of ULAQ, including ASW and anti-ship missile carrier variants. After the delivery, the Turkish Armed Forces will gain a critical capability at the surrounding seas. Moreover, we are planning to export it to the friendly and ally countries under the permission of the Ministry of Defence,” Mr.Alanc outlined.
Ares Shipyard and Meteksan announced the ASW variant of USCV on 23 April, which is fitted with sonobuoys, sonar and lightweight torpedoes.
ULAQ Unmanned Surface Vessel:
ULAQ is the name of the Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) product family developed by the strong alliance of ARES Shipyard and Meteksan Defence, which includes different platform types, capabilities and functions.
It is eliminating human factor either by its remote control capability or by its sophisticated software to execute predetermined autonomous missions. By eliminating the human factor, it surpasses the current platform solutions. ULAQ is a messenger, an envoy from ancient history with his extraordinary skills and extreme warriorship capabilities.
Specifications:
- Length: 11 meters
- Speed: 35 knots
- Range: 215 Nautical Miles
- Armament: 4xCirit and 2xUMTAS missiles
- Control station: Can be controlled from ground and sea stations
Check out Naval Library App to find out the specifications of Turkey’s ULAQ AUSV.
