Türkiye secures first export deal for ULAQ unmanned surface vessel Navigating new waters

The ULAQ, an armed unmanned surface vessel developed by Turkish firms ARES Shipyard and METEKSAN Defense, has reached a significant milestone with the signing of its first export contract with Qatar.

Defense Turk announced this development on its X account, Caliber.Az reports.

🔵🇹🇷Türkiye'den 🇶🇦Katar'a insansız deniz aracı tedariki

🔸METEKSAN ve ARES Tersanesi tarafından geliştirilen ULAQ SİDA, Milipol Katar Fuarı sırasında imzalanan sözleşme ile Katar'a tedarik edilecek
📎 @ARESShipyard @MeteksanSavunma
🔗https://t.co/8eIQ9S8njf pic.twitter.com/NqwLpL8u0A

— Defence Turk (@Defence_Turk) October 31, 2024

The contract, formalized with Qatar's Ministry of Interior during the Milipol Fair, marks Türkiye's inaugural unmanned marine export initiative.

Designed to safeguard ports and maritime bases, the ULAQ 11 PSV unmanned sea vessel will be utilized by the Qatar Coast Guard Command for reconnaissance missions and the protection of critical infrastructure.

The ULAQ 11 PSV is set to be equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, radar systems, encrypted communication technology, and autonomy software, all integrated into a high-performance platform.

The ULAQ features a modular design, enabling customization of its payload based on specific mission requirements. This includes an optical-electronic surveillance system for day and night operations, a secure global navigation satellite system, and encrypted communication tools that work in conjunction with the GENESIS and ADVENT combat control systems developed for the Turkish Navy.

Its design also incorporates a telescopic mast and an antenna system that enhances detection and identification capabilities, along with radar navigation and surface surveillance.

Depending on the mission, the ULAQ can be equipped with reconnaissance and early warning assets, laser and infrared-guided missile systems, light torpedoes, or the STAMP, a remotely operated stabilized machine gun platform (manufactured by ASELSAN) known for its effectiveness against asymmetric threats due to its automatic tracking and high accuracy.

Additionally, the METEKSAN-designed coastal control station, known as SAKI (Turkish acronym), is modular and can be integrated into land or naval vehicles. Operated by a crew of a captain and gunner, SAKI includes an interference-resistant C-band data link, navigation systems, and software. This system facilitates the control of multiple unmanned aerial systems (UAS) at sea, ensuring the ULAQ can operate jointly with other UAS, UAVs, and manned aircraft within line-of-sight distances of up to 200 km.

In May 2023, the ULAQ successfully completed its first sea trials with a domestically developed engine.

By Tamilla Hasanova