At IDEF 2025 exhibition in Istanbul, Turkish defence industry’s biggest companies showcased 4 unmanned surface vessels with new payload configuration in Ataköy Marina.
Turkish defence industry’s huge efforts on unmanned systems is no secret. That’s why new developments is unmanned surface vessel projects were somewhat expected in this iteration of IDEF, the country’s biggest defence industry exhibition.
Four advanced USVs, developed by leading Turkish defense industry partnerships, were on display at the pier:
- Aselsan & Sefine Shipyard – MARLIN USV (Anti-Submarine Warfare / ASW Configuration)
- Aselsan & Sefine Shipyard – MARLIN USV (Anti-Surface Warfare / ASuW Configuration)
- Ares Shipyard & Meteksan – ULAQ USV (Anti Surface Warfare / ASuW Configuration)
- Havelsan & Yonca Shipyard – SANCAR USV (Mine Countermeasure / MCM Configuration)
MARLIN USVs by Aselsan and Sefine Shipyard
Following the delivery of two MARLIN USVs to the Turkish Navy, Aselsan and Sefine Shipyard have introduced two newly developed variants of the MARLIN family.
One of the vessels on display was a former MIR USV, previously used in several swarm operation demonstrations. This platform has now been taken into the MARLIN family. It is equipped with two ARMELSAN-made sonars: a dipping sonar for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations, and a diver detection sonar for underwater surveillance to protect naval bases, ports, and critical infrastructure. This variant is also capable of being fitted with lightweight torpedo tubes, a capability it demonstrated two years ago during a live torpedo firing demonstration.
The second USV displayed at the pier was the Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) variant of the MARLIN family. Initially designed to launch short-range KUZGUN anti-ship missiles from boxed launchers – a capability it already demonstrated in a live firing test – the USV now features a significant upgrade. At IDEF 2025, it was fitted with Roketsan’s ÇAKIR anti-ship missile, a more advanced missile system with a range of 150 km, compared to KUZGUN’s 40 km. The ÇAKIR missile is IIR-guided and features data link capability, greatly expanding the USV’s strike envelope and precision engagement capacity. This upgrade significantly boosts the MARLIN’s operational effectiveness, enabling it to deliver precision strikes at extended ranges.
The company also showcased the control station of the USVs, which is capable to control up to 12 drones simultanously, which provides swarm operations capability. According to the officials at the marina, the capacity of the stations can be increased.
ULAQ USV by ULAQ GLOBAL
The ULAQ Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), jointly developed by Ares Shipyard and Meteksan Defence, was showcased at IDEF 2025 under the new brand ULAQ GLOBAL. This newly established company is dedicated to managing and advancing the ULAQ family of USVs, and marks a strategic step in the platform’s global outreach.
On display was the Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) variant, designed for maritime base and coastal facility protection. This variant is equipped with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors, as well as a Remote Weapon Station (RWS) developed by Best Defence. The platform is powered by a 460 HP marine engine engineered by Turkish manufacturer TÜMOSAN, emphasizing the project’s commitment to domestic capabilities.
The ULAQ ASuW is nearing operational deployment and is currently in the final phase of acceptance tests before entering service with the Turkish Navy.
SANCAR USV by HAVELSAN and Yonca Shipyard
Another unmanned surface vessel on display at IDEF 2025 was SANCAR, developed by HAVELSAN in collaboration with Yonca Shipyard. Currently in service with the Turkish Navy, SANCAR carries the pennant number TCB 1201.
SANCAR is configured for Mine Countermeasures (MCM) and ISR missions. It is equipped with a Klein-made side scan sonar integrated with a HAVELSAN-developed launch and recovery system, enabling advanced underwater surveillance and mine detection operations. Additionally, it features a Remote Weapon Station (RWS) for force protection and multi-role use.
Notably, SANCAR is the first unmanned surface platform to operate with HAVELSAN’s ADVENT ROTA—a variant of the widely adopted ADVENT C4ISR system, tailored specifically for unmanned systems. ADVENT ROTA has already been fielded across various units of the Turkish Navy and supports seamless integration into network-centric naval operations. The vessel is operated via a mobile Ground Control Station, which also runs the ADVENT C4ISR mission system and complies with NATO interoperability standards, allowing for coordinated operations with allied forces.
In addition to SANCAR, HAVELSAN also exhibited a newly procured boat from RAFNAR Marine, which will be converted into an unmanned surface vessel
