Turkey has made another major leap in its energy independence journey. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently announced the discovery of a new 75 billion cubic meter natural gas reserve at the Göktepe-3 well in the Black Sea — a find valued at approximately 30 billion dollars. While drilling vessels often take center stage in such announcements, the real unsung hero of this discovery was Kaşif, a domestically developed remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) designed by Turkish engineers.

Deployed aboard the Abdülhamid Han drilling ship, Kaşif operates at depths reaching 3,000 meters, performing delicate and complex underwater tasks such as cutting, cleaning, seal replacement, and wellhead maintenance. In critical moments, it can also secure or isolate the well, ensuring operations proceed safely and efficiently. Acting like a “robotic worker,” Kaşif performs precision work under extreme underwater conditions.

Developed entirely by Armelsan, a pioneering Turkish defense and marine technology company, the Kaşif project began in 2020 and has evolved through multiple iterations. Armelsan’s General Manager, Can Emre Bakım, revealed that the latest Kaşif XL model features stronger motors and enhanced hydraulic capabilities, allowing it to dive up to 4,000 meters. This next-generation design will support Turkey’s expanding offshore energy exploration efforts — from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean and even beyond.

Because Kaşif is domestically produced, it can be customized according to the specific requirements of each mission — something impossible with foreign-imported systems. Its adaptability and success highlight Turkey’s growing expertise in defense and energy technology. Armelsan also plans to export Kaşif to regions such as Azerbaijan, the Caspian Sea, and the Gulf countries, further solidifying Turkey’s position as a global player in underwater robotics and energy exploration.