ASELSAN unveiled two strategic naval platforms on the first day of SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aerospace and Space Industry Fair, marking a new phase in Türkiye’s unmanned maritime warfare capabilities. Introduced under the motto “the new striking powers of the Blue Homeland,” the KILIÇ Autonomous Kamikaze Underwater Vehicle and the TUFAN Next-Generation Kamikaze Unmanned Surface Vehicle are designed to provide deterrent power against unpredictable maritime threats.

The launch ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of National Defense Bilal Durdalı, Turkish Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, ASELSAN President and CEO Ahmet Akyol and BAYKAR Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar. Speaking at the ceremony, Admiral Tatlıoğlu emphasized that Türkiye’s geography, surrounded by seas on three sides, requires a strong navy. He stated that Türkiye is strengthening its naval capabilities every day and is currently building 41 military ships at the same time. Tatlıoğlu added that Türkiye has also reached a strong position in unmanned maritime systems and that the new ASELSAN-developed kamikaze unmanned surface and underwater vehicles will further strengthen the Turkish Naval Forces.

ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol stated that the company currently provides more than 50 naval systems serving on various platforms of the Turkish Navy. He underlined that the dynamics of the battlefield are changing and that a new era has begun in which more cost-effective and deterrent systems are gaining importance. Akyol said ASELSAN is responding to this transformation with the KILIÇ and TUFAN product families. He described KILIÇ as Türkiye’s first kamikaze autonomous underwater vehicle and TUFAN as a kamikaze surface vehicle capable of carrying a warhead comparable to a heavyweight torpedo, operating autonomously and being controlled via satellite.

One of the first members of the KILIÇ family, KILIÇ 10, is an unmanned, single-use and ultra-light class autonomous kamikaze underwater vehicle. Designed to detect and destroy naval targets, the system features a compact and hydrodynamic body with a low-visibility profile. Optimized for asymmetric naval warfare, underwater operations and surface missions, KILIÇ 10 stands out with high-precision destruction capability, swarm operation capability, wire-guided control and low detectability.

Another member of the KILIÇ family, KILIÇ 200, is positioned in the medium-class category. Developed as a low-cost but high-impact underwater strike system, KILIÇ 200 offers longer range and a higher explosive payload compared with KILIÇ 10. The system can be deployed from unmanned surface vehicles and provides high-precision strike capability through its integrated warhead. Its swarm operation capability and extended mission range supported by surface thermal and infrared cameras allow flexible and effective use in maritime operations.

ASELSAN’s TUFAN Kamikaze USV is a next-generation unmanned surface vehicle capable of carrying a high-explosive warhead, operating in swarm formations and using advanced situational awareness and autonomy capabilities. TUFAN can be used against surface targets and platforms, as well as critical facilities located along coastlines. It can be deployed individually or in swarm formations for reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence missions, and can form mission-specific subgroups to carry out different operational scenarios.

One of TUFAN’s most important capabilities is autonomous avoidance of moving and fixed obstacles. With image-based target detection and engagement capability, the platform can identify and engage targets more effectively. Its high speed and maneuverability are expected to make TUFAN a force multiplier in the Blue Homeland. ASELSAN is carrying out TUFAN’s R&D and production processes simultaneously, with the system planned to enter the inventory in 2027.

KILIÇ and TUFAN demonstrate the level Türkiye has reached in unmanned and autonomous naval warfare concepts. These low-cost, high-impact platforms are suitable for swarm operations and can be adapted to different mission profiles, creating a new operational layer to support traditional naval assets. The two systems introduced by ASELSAN at SAHA 2026 are expected to increase the deterrence of the Turkish Navy in the Blue Homeland while also offering export potential for friendly and allied countries.