During IDEF 2025 in Istanbul, Naval News spoke with Hayrettin Karabudak, C4ISR Hardware Engineering Group Manager at HAVELSAN, about the development and operational role of the Submarine Data Distribution System (DBDS). In the interview, Karabudak outlined the system’s technical foundations, evolution over nearly two decades, and its growing footprint on naval platforms both in Türkiye and abroad.
Originally developed to meet the Turkish Navy’s requirement for a domestic data distribution system, HAVELSAN has a product family known as the Platform Data Distribution Family. This family has Substar, Submarine Data Distribution System, and Fleetstar, surface ships data distribution systems. It has matured into a critical component of modern naval architecture. Substar functions as the digital heart of a ship or submarine, collecting and disseminating data from various onboard sensors and subsystems with minimal latency. HAVELSAN has continually evolved the system through local engineering and production, achieving high levels of localization and expanding its deployment across various national and export platforms.
Naval News: Could you explain the philosophy and purpose behind the development of the DBDS (Submarine Data Distribution System)?
Mr. Karabudak: Our journey with data distribution systems began in 2005, during the early stages of ship design projects. At the time, data distribution was a critical requirement outlined by the Turkish Navy. We voluntarily assumed responsibility in this area. After a year of preparation, we signed our first contract at IDEF 2007, and by 2008–2009, we began developing our first Ship Data Distribution System for the first MILGEM corvette. This led to further indigenous projects. What started as a system we developed has now evolved into a mature capability, with over 15 years of accumulated experience and a competent team. Today, we not only develop the software but also design and manufacture the electronic boards, mechanical enclosures, and carry out complete in-house production. We’ve replaced many off-the-shelf imported components with our designs, bringing our localization rate above 90%. We handle all engineering and manufacturing ourselves. To date, our systems have been integrated into more than 60 platforms, both domestically and internationally.
Naval News: Compared to previously outsourced data distribution systems, what are the key advantages of Substar and Fleetstar?
Mr. Karabudak: Although data distribution systems might sound simple, they are critical to the operational harmony of a ship. All warships and submarines require the collection and distribution of data from various systems, including navigation, communication, combat management, weapons, sensors, and others, to ensure safe navigation and the uninterrupted execution of other operational tasks. We refer to them as the “heart” of a ship or a submarine. Because all platform sensors, especially in submarines, transmit vital data through this system.
For example, a corvette platform might have over 100 connectors on its data distribution system cabinet. Each of those connectors distributes data to critical subsystems — and timing is everything. Time synchronization, particularly with GPS, is essential. Key data, such as heading, roll, and pitch (HRP), must be distributed in real-time. In naval warfare, every millisecond counts. For instance, if your inertial navigation system (INS) works at 200 Hz, it produces HRP data every 5 milliseconds. If this data isn’t distributed within that window, it becomes obsolete.
Some systems, like fire control radars, rely on this precise timing. If the data is delayed, your reaction time against an incoming missile is compromised. Our systems ensure that data from the most accurate INS is selected and distributed with minimal latency. In high-sea states — say, Sea State 5 or 6 — or in open ocean conditions with high seas, timely roll-pitch data can make or break your weapon engagement. That’s why we’ve optimized Substar and Fleetstar to operate within extremely tight time budgets, often with only half a millisecond under our control after upstream delays.
Naval News: Are there any plans to integrate new technologies such as artificial intelligence into DBDS?
Mr. Karabudak: Yes. We are actively working on integrating AI capabilities into our systems. Since all platform data passes through the Substar and Fleetstar, it makes sense to apply AI to detect anomalies, enhance cybersecurity, and support predictive maintenance. This is also beneficial not only for operation but also from an Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) perspective. For example, if one subsystem is producing faulty data, the system can detect it and notify operators, potentially preventing broader system failures.
