At the SAHA EXPO 2024, Naval News visited Anadolu Robotik’s booth and discussed their innovative solution for counter-kamikaze unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). Known as the “Arida-M,” this innovative system is designed to detect and intercept kamikaze USVs targeting naval combatants, offering a new level of protection for critical maritime assets.
The “Muhafız” USV: The Core of Arida-M

At the heart of the Arida-M system are the “Muhafız” (meaning “Guard” in English) USVs, which are tasked with the detection and interception of hostile USVs. Each Muhafız USV is a small, 4.5-meter long vessel, with a width of 1.3 meters and a displacement of one ton. Despite their compact size, these vessels carry a payload of up to 30 kilograms, including sensors and communication systems, making them a potent force against incoming threats.
Propelled by diesel engines and waterjets, the Muhafız USVs can achieve speeds of over 50 knots and are operational in sea conditions up to sea state 4. Fitted with electro-optical (EO) sensors, these USVs are capable of both detecting potential threats and avoiding obstacles. The explosive payload, mounted at the bow of the boat, consists of 50 kilograms of explosives designed to neutralize enemy vessels upon impact.
System Architecture: Detection and Engagement
The Arida-M system consists of several critical components: a control center, a long-range infrared electro-optical sensor, and the Muhafız USVs. The system’s primary role is to secure strategic assets, both fixed (such as ports and coastal facilities) and mobile platforms (including ships), against asymmetric maritime threats. It employs a multi-layered detection and response strategy to defend against threats like kamikaze USVs, small boats, and even drifting naval mines.
Arida-M operates by deploying the Muhafız USVs from either a warship or shore-based facilities. Once in the mission area, the system enhances situational awareness through radar, electro-optical systems, and communication channels. It assesses the threat environment and engages hostile targets when necessary, ensuring security is maintained in accordance with pre-defined protocols.

Development Progress and Partnerships
Although Arida-M is still under development, Anadolu Robotik has already begun testing the concept using 1/30 scale models at sea. Full-scale sea trials are expected to begin within three months, marking a significant step toward operational deployment.
In addition, Anadolu Robotik has partnered with Turkish defense company Sekiz Altmis to provide communication systems for the Muhafız USVs. The vessels are equipped with RF and satellite communication systems, and LTE communication can be added depending on customer needs.
The primary function of the Arida-M system is to safeguard strategic maritime assets. Whether protecting ports, coastal installations, or naval vessels, the system provides a robust defense against a wide range of asymmetric threats. As these trials continue, Arida-M has the potential to become a game-changing solution for both Turkish and international defense clients, offering advanced protection in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Author’s opinion
The effectiveness of kamikaze USVs was starkly demonstrated during Ukraine’s attacks in the Russia-Ukraine war. This development has significantly altered the paradigms of naval warfare, as billion-dollar warships have been challenged by relatively inexpensive, yet devastating, quarter-million-dollar kamikaze USVs.
These incidents have underscored the urgent need for innovative solutions to counter such threats. While guided and unguided weapon systems have been employed so far, in the case of large-scale swarm attacks, the firing channels and weapon systems of ships are likely to become overwhelmed. This has highlighted the necessity for new approaches to defense against both UAV and USV swarm tactics.
In this evolving landscape, robotic warfare stands out as a promising technology for the future. AI-supported anti-kamikaze USVs offer great potential for the early detection and interception of these threats. When combined with a ship’s existing guided and unguided weapon systems, these robotic solutions could form a multi-layered defense strategy, effectively neutralizing the threat before it can cause damage.
Although still in development, the Arida-M anti-kamikaze system represents a significant step forward in addressing this challenge. It lays the foundation for even more advanced and innovative countermeasures in the future, as navies worldwide prepare for the next generation of maritime threats.