ASELSAN unveiled two next-generation autonomous naval platforms at the SAHA 2026 International Defence, Aerospace and Space Industry Fair. Türkiye’s first kamikaze autonomous underwater vehicle, KILIÇ, and the kamikaze unmanned surface vehicle, TUFAN, were introduced during a ceremony held at the Istanbul Expo Center. The two systems stand out as important new tools for strengthening asymmetric naval warfare capabilities in the Blue Homeland.

The launch ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of National Defence Bilal Durdalı, Turkish Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol and Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar. Admiral Tatlıoğlu emphasized that Türkiye’s strategic position, surrounded by seas on three sides, requires a strong naval force. He also noted that the Turkish Naval Forces are currently building 41 military ships at the same time and have reached an important level in unmanned naval systems.

ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol stated that the company is carrying out many critical projects in the maritime field. He said more than 50 ASELSAN systems are currently serving on different platforms within the Turkish Naval Forces. Akyol underlined that the dynamics of the battlefield are changing and that cost-effective systems with high deterrence are becoming increasingly important. In this context, KILIÇ and TUFAN were introduced as ASELSAN’s new product families for naval warfare.

KILIÇ was developed as Türkiye’s first kamikaze autonomous underwater vehicle. Designed to detect and destroy naval targets, KILIÇ 10 is a single-use, very light-class underwater system. With its compact and hydrodynamic design, the platform offers a low visibility profile and is optimized for asymmetric naval warfare, underwater operations and surface-related missions. Its high-precision strike capability, swarm operation potential, wire-guided control and low detectability are among its most important advantages.

Another member of the KILIÇ family, KILIÇ 200, is positioned in the medium-class category. Similar to KILIÇ 10, it is designed with low cost, extended range and a higher explosive payload. KILIÇ 200 can be launched from unmanned surface vehicles and can provide precise destruction through its integrated warhead. With the ability to operate in swarm formations and use surface thermal and infrared cameras, the system offers a new asymmetric response option against underwater and surface threats.

TUFAN, the second platform introduced by ASELSAN, was developed as a kamikaze unmanned surface vehicle. Capable of carrying a high-explosive warhead, TUFAN is designed as a surface platform with swarm operation capability, advanced situational awareness and autonomous mission functions. The system can be used against surface targets, naval platforms and critical facilities located along coastal areas.

TUFAN can be deployed individually or in swarm formations for reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence missions. The system is also capable of forming asymmetric attack formations and mission-specific subgroups. Its ability to avoid moving and stationary obstacles autonomously, combined with image-based target detection and engagement capability, makes TUFAN a significant force multiplier for modern naval warfare.

According to Akyol, TUFAN is planned to enter the inventory in 2027 as an autonomous kamikaze surface vehicle capable of carrying a warhead comparable to that of a heavy torpedo and being controlled via satellite. With its high speed, maneuverability and autonomous features, the platform is expected to increase deterrence in the Blue Homeland. ASELSAN is conducting research, development and production processes simultaneously to accelerate the system’s readiness.

The introduction of KILIÇ and TUFAN demonstrates that Türkiye is expanding its unmanned naval capabilities in both surface and underwater domains. Low-cost, high-impact and swarm-capable kamikaze platforms create a new deterrence layer alongside traditional naval assets. ASELSAN’s two new systems are expected to provide the Turkish Naval Forces with more flexible, rapid and cost-effective options against asymmetric threats at sea.