Turkish unmanned vessel test-fires with guided cruise missile

A Turkish unmanned surface vessel (AUSV) named Marlin has successfully fired a guided missile for the first time, using a solid-propellant cruise missile with guided ammunition.

The missile was launched from the AUSV, demonstrating new capabilities in unmanned naval vehicles, according to Daily Sabah.

Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) head Ismail Demir announced the achievement on social media, stating that the country is committed to advancing its capabilities in this field.

“We are determined to reach new heights in unmanned naval technology,” Demir said.

The AUSV Marlin was developed in cooperation with Sefine Shipyard and leading defence company Aselsan domestically in northwestern Yalova province, under the leadership of the SSB.

The platform, approximately 15 metres (49 feet) long, has critical capabilities related to surface warfare, underwater warfare, electronic warfare (EW) and asymmetrical operations. MARLIN, which embodies the capabilities of gunboats, can even be a naval warfare platform that can be used more flexibly than gunboats at some points.