CELLAT KİDA, one of Türkiye’s newest unmanned naval systems, was unveiled for the first time at SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aerospace and Space Industry Fair. Introduced at the Istanbul Expo Center under the organization of SAHA Istanbul, the autonomous kamikaze unmanned surface vessel was developed to eliminate threats in the “Blue Homeland.” Designed and produced by Kayacı Savunma entirely with domestic and national resources, CELLAT stands out as a next-generation platform that will strengthen Türkiye’s unmanned maritime capabilities.

Kayacı Savunma had previously gained significant experience in this field with its OKHAN unmanned surface vessel. The company combined this experience with a kamikaze mission concept in the CELLAT KİDA project, which it has been working on for about a year. Developed through university-industry cooperation, the system is regarded as an example of how Anatolian capital, academic knowledge and entrepreneurial capability can contribute to the defense industry. Kayacı Savunma Chairman Hakan Kayacı stated that CELLAT’s software and boat production were carried out in the company’s own workshop without any external support.

CELLAT KİDA draws attention with its compact structure, measuring 5 meters in length and 1.7 meters in width. The platform can reach a speed of approximately 50 knots, offers a range of 450 nautical miles and can operate with a payload of 500 kilograms. With these features, CELLAT combines high speed, long range and strong payload capacity on a single platform. Its low-visibility design is one of its most notable characteristics, enabling the system to rapidly approach targets and neutralize threats at sea.

One of CELLAT’s key capabilities is its ability to operate beyond conventional range limits through satellite communication system integration. This allows the platform to be directed toward distant targets under operator control or through autonomous mission profiles. The transfer of infrastructure developed for previous unmanned surface vessels to CELLAT contributed to the rapid maturation of the system. Kayacı Savunma’s field test experience with the Presidency of Defense Industries and the Turkish Coast Guard Command also provided an important foundation for the development of the new platform.

Recent conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine War and developments in the Gulf, have highlighted the growing importance of unmanned surface vessels in modern warfare. Low-cost, fast, autonomous and high-impact platforms are creating new operational concepts against threats targeting ports, naval bases, ships and critical maritime assets. CELLAT KİDA was developed in line with these emerging requirements as a deterrent and strike-capable asset against asymmetric threats in the Blue Homeland.

Kayacı Savunma Chairman Hakan Kayacı stated that short tests of CELLAT had already been completed and that more comprehensive testing would begin after the fair. He added that the system could be made mission-ready within about two months and that the company aims to offer an economically competitive product in the global market. Unveiled for the first time at SAHA 2026, CELLAT KİDA stands out as one of Türkiye’s most ambitious locally engineered autonomous kamikaze maritime platforms.