At UDT 2025 exhibition in Oslo, Norway, Turkiye’s leading defense company ASELSAN showcased the MERCAN family of submarine optronic mast systems along with other underwater solutions. Optronic masts are non-penetrating unlike old periscope systems.
While ASELSAN showcased its featured solutions in underwater warfare, such as DÜFAS towed array sonar and DERINGÖZ autonomous underwater vehicle, one of the striking solution of the company in UDT 2025 was MERCAN family of periscope systems. ASELSAN introduced these systems for the visitors as search/attack optronic mast solutions.
According to information obtained by Naval News during the event, ASELSAN received a contract in 2024 to equip the Turkish Navy’s Type 209 submarines (Preveze and Gür classes) as part of their mid-life upgrade (MLU). The next step will be to outfit the indigenous MILDEN submarine, currently under construction at Gölcük Naval Shipyard.
In this context, the installation of the MERCAN family of scopes on active submarines marks a significant milestone for the Turkish defense industry. With approximately 80% of a submarine’s components already producible through national means—excluding a few key systems such as periscopes and propulsion—this development represents an important step toward the full indigenization of another critical subsystem.
The MERCAN family is an electro-optic reconnaissance and surveillance system designed for submarine platforms. It incorporates multiple imaging technologies, including high-definition thermal, full-HD day TV, and shortwave infrared (SWIR) cameras, to provide visibility in different environmental conditions.
The system includes an eye-safe laser range finder and optical range-finding capabilities for accurate target detection. It features Quick Look Round (QLR) mode and sectoral scanning for efficient observation. Image fusion technology combines inputs from different sensors to improve clarity.
MERCAN can be integrated with combat management systems (CMS) and also operates independently if required. An optional GPS/electronic support (ES) system antenna is available. Designed for adaptability, the system is compatible with various submarine platforms.
