The Turkish defense industry has successfully transferred the global momentum it achieved with unmanned aerial vehicles to the maritime domain, emerging as one of the leading players in unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). Thanks to advanced autonomy capabilities, modular payload architectures, and armed/unarmed configurations, Türkiye is no longer only a user of USVs but has become a competitive exporter in this rapidly growing market.

One of the most significant milestones in this field was achieved through the cooperation between Ares Tersanesi and ULAQ Global. The export of the ULAQ Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle to the Qatar Coast Guard marked Türkiye’s first-ever armed USV export. The successful deployment of the system in an operational environment proved its technological maturity and reliability. Positive feedback from end users played a decisive role in accelerating international interest and business development activities for the ULAQ platform.

While priority remains meeting the operational needs of the Turkish Naval Forces and the Coast Guard Command, companies are actively engaging with friendly and allied countries under permissions granted by the Ministry of National Defense. Negotiations are ongoing with several Gulf countries, as well as Far Eastern nations, focusing on various ULAQ configurations and flexible cooperation models. New export contracts are expected to be announced publicly throughout 2026.

Exports are not limited to platforms alone. Onur Yüksek Teknoloji received a USD 1.4 million order for Integrated Voice and Data Communication Systems to be installed on USVs destined for overseas delivery. This order represents the continuation and expansion of a previously successful project, highlighting the strength of Türkiye’s main contractor–subcontractor ecosystem.

Another major development came from ASELSAN, which signed export contracts worth USD 171 million with customers in the Asia-Pacific region. These agreements cover communication systems and mission payloads specifically designed for unmanned surface vehicles. This achievement demonstrates that Türkiye is entering global markets not only with USV platforms but also with high-value subsystems that form the “brain” and operational backbone of these vessels.

The economic and strategic value of USVs largely lies in their sensors, communication suites, and weapon systems. Türkiye’s success in exporting these payloads through direct sales to the Asia-Pacific market confirms that its technologies meet global standards and can compete with leading international suppliers.