UÇA is an air-launched sea mine that can be dropped by aircraft such as F-16 jets and large unmanned aircraft such as AKINCI and AKSUNGUR. MKE announced the new system a few days before IDEF 2023.
The system is developed by MKE, with the partnership of TUBITAK-SAGE (Turkish DARPA), and Koç Savunma.
MKE transformed the general-purpose Mk-84 bombs into offensive mines by integrating a guidance kit (GÖKÇE wing-assisted guidance kit), smart target detection, and mine firing unit. According to a video showcased by MKE at the exhibition UÇA proceeds to the diving location after being dropped by the air asset. After taking the place at the bottom of the sea, the sea mine waits for the enemy ship to turn on the warhead.
UÇA is a combined sea mine that can classify targets based on their acoustic, magnetic, and pressure signatures. The sea mine is coated with radar-absorbing material that prevents its detection during the flight phase. It also has an underwater system IFF, which prevents the mine from damaging friendly units. UCA will be able to detect and destroy target ships with this advanced sensor fusion technology.
Thanks to its acoustic absorber coating, UCA will be able to settle precisely on the seabed, where it will wait for the target ship without being detected by sonar in the water.
UÇA can be dropped from a maximum range of 70 kilometers which provides the air assets to drop the mine out of the standoff range of the enemy air defense.
MKE claims that UÇA is the first long-range smart bottom mine worldwide.
Author’s opinion
Offensive mining is the riskiest type of mining because it is conducted in the enemy A2/AD zone, outside harbors, and across important shipping routes to sink both merchant and military vessels. For this reason, submarines and aircraft are usually used for offensive mining, with aircraft taking a significant risk during the operation.
This is because the aircraft must move to the mine site and drop the mine with great attention within the standoff range of enemy air defenses. Mining from 70 kilometers away is a significant development, and the use of drones reduces the risk to zero.
Therefore, the UÇA can be considered a game-changing technology on the naval scene, because it will limit enemy warships’ and submarines’ movements in contested waters without risk.
