Turkey Introduces ‘ULAQ’ Unmanned Vessel
The Turkish Defense Agency (SSB) has unveiled its new unmanned surface vessel, the “ULAQ.”
A video released by the agency shows the ship’s upgraded features, including a new configuration for anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
The ULAQ also has a new locally-made propulsion system to increase the vehicle’s speed, particularly in littoral waters.
According to SSB head Ismail Demir, the Turkish military plans to conduct 90 percent of production domestically to support the local defense industry.
“We are equipping ULAQ with new capabilities, making it fully autonomous and developing it so that it can conduct anti-submarine warfare,” he explained.
ULAQ SİDA’ya yeni kabiliyetler kazandırıp tam otonom hale getiriyor, denizaltı savunma harbi icra edecek şekilde geliştiriyoruz.
Hedefimiz yerli motor, 12.7 mm UKSS, torpido, L-UMTAS füzesi, komuta kontrol yazılımı, haberleşme sistemi, kamera ve sonar sistemiyle % 90 yerlilik! pic.twitter.com/49NoPPK8IM
— Ismail Demir (@IsmailDemirSSB) December 11, 2022
Apart from the ASW and propulsion systems, the ULAQ will be fitted with an updated engine, 12.7-millimeter remote-controlled weapon station, torpedoes, communication system, and sonar system.
Additional Features
Developed by ARES Shipyard and Meteksan Defence, the ULAQ is Turkey’s first unmanned surface vessel.
It can travel at 65 kilometers (40 miles) per hour with a range of up to 400 kilometers (248 miles).
According to an SSB video, the ship features a light, durable composite hull that can withstand harsh sea conditions.
It also has enhanced vision and navigation, thanks to a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) wide-angle navigation camera, radar, and electro-optical system.
The nearly 2-minute clip suggests several weapons and sensor configurations, such as a tactical missile control system, towed array sonar, and ASW rockets.
