The NETA 300 lightweight unmanned autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) developed by STM participated in the forward operations phase of the TURNAs-2026 exercise. The system, equipped with advanced sonar and high-resolution sensors, autonomously detected and identified mine and mine-like underwater threats along the transit route. The NETA 300 contributed to maritime security for naval units and successfully completed its assigned mission. During the exercise, other unmanned systems developed by STM also demonstrated their operational capabilities.

STM holds a leading position in unmanned system development within the Turkish defense industry ecosystem. The company specializes in submarine technologies, autonomous vehicles, and intelligent sensor systems, developing multiple platforms to meet national defense requirements. The NETA 300 project demonstrates STM's capacity for autonomous operations in the maritime environment. The company delivers modular solutions for both civilian and military applications, contributing to Turkish Naval Forces modernization efforts.

The NETA 300 derives its name from the nautical term "NETA," which means "smooth, safe, and always ready." Its compact and modular design allows it to be transported by two personnel. The vehicle can operate at depths up to 300 meters for up to 24 hours and reaches speeds of 5 knots. Advanced sonar systems enable detection, classification, and identification of mines and mine-like objects. With its modular architecture, the platform can be adapted to various mission requirements and deployed for military intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance, mine countermeasures, and harbor defense operations.

The Turkish defense industry is developing indigenous solutions to meet the need for autonomous mine detection and clearance systems in the maritime environment. Unmanned underwater vehicles such as the NETA 300 reduce personnel exposure to hazardous tasks while enhancing operational effectiveness. Mine countermeasures (MCM) represent a critical mission for the Turkish Naval Forces, and the development of indigenous technology to perform these operations aligns with national industrialization objectives. The NETA 300's successful performance during the exercise validates system reliability and operational readiness.

World navies have operationalized various unmanned underwater vehicles for mine detection and clearance missions. NATO countries employ platforms such as Remus, Hugin, and Riptide. The NETA 300 offers autonomous mission execution, extended endurance, and modular design features comparable to these international counterparts. Operating alongside the NETA 300 during the exercise, the BOYGA munition-dispensing UAV, TOGAN reconnaissance UAV, a swarm of five KARGU attack UAVs, and the TUNGA-X hunter UAV system demonstrated the multifaceted unmanned system capabilities of STM and the Turkish defense industry ecosystem.