ULAQ is the first USV developed by the Turkish defense industry. After completing all of the trials in January 2022, the production phase of the ASuW (Anti-Surface Warfare) and PS (Port Security) variants has started. As these processes have been continuing, SSB released a new video unveiling the significant capabilities of the ULAQ, including a new configuration for Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW).
The new configuration, which includes a locally-made propulsion system, has an indigenization rate of %90. With the new ASW payload, ULAQ is expected to be a force multiplier in ASW operations, particularly in the littoral waters.
“We are equipping ULAQ armed USV with new capabilities, making it fully autonomous and developing it so that it can conduct anti-submarine warfare. Our goal is 90% localization with an indigenous engine, 12.7 mm RCWS, torpedo, L-UMTAS missile, command and control software, communication system, camera and sonar system.”
Ismail Demir, Head of SSB
According to the video, the ULAQ features;
- Light, durable, and proven composite hull,
- Active and passive stabilization systems,
- Seaworthiness in tough sea conditions
- Enhanced vision and driving abilities with LIDAR wide-angle navigation camera, radar, and EO/IR camera,
- AKSON C-Band Data link and swarm communication,
- Sattelite communication
- Interoperability with UAVs, UCAVs, USVs, and UCSVs,
- Precise maneuverability in littoral waters,
- Full autonomy with image processing and sensor fusion,
- Emergency mode,
- Stationary and mobile control station options.
The video also suggests weapon and sensor configurations for ASuW and ASW;
- 12.7 mm RCWS
- Tactical missile control system (laser-guided L-UMTAS and Cirit)
- ASW rockets
- NG lightweight torpedoes
- Towed array sonar
- Dipping sonar
- Telescopic sonar
- Indigenous engine
In September 2022, ARES Shipyard signed an agreement with TÜMOSAN, a Turkish engine manufacturer, to equip ULAQ with indigenous diesel engines.
In 2020, ARES Shipyard and Meteksan unveiled the following variants of the ULAQ USV family. After completing testing of the ASuW variant, the joint venture also conducted firing trials of the PS version, which is armed with an RCWS instead of the missile launcher. The joint venture also showcased the ASW variant at the DIMDEX 2022 exhibition, held March 21-23, 2022, in Doha, Qatar. ULAQ was recently spotted with an electronic warfare payload.
To be informed about Turkiye’s USV projects, please click the link below.
Here is our coverage of ULAQ USV in DIMDEX 2022.
