Türkiye’s defense industry has marked another milestone as the country’s first Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), ULAQ, officially entered service with an indigenous weapon system. According to a statement by SARSILMAZ, ULAQ was developed through the collaboration of ARES Tersanesi and Meteksan Savunma. The platform was delivered during the Naval Platforms Commissioning, Flag Hoisting and First Steel Cutting Ceremony held at Istanbul Naval Shipyard, attended by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

ULAQ has begun operations equipped with a 12.7 mm naval-type Remote Controlled Weapon System (RCWS) developed by BEST DEFENCE, a subsidiary of SARSILMAZ. The integration of this indigenous system significantly enhances the operational effectiveness of the unmanned naval platform.

SAR 127 MT: High Firepower at Sea

At the core of the system lies the SAR 127 MT machine gun, specifically engineered for maritime conditions. The RCWS is also compatible with 7.62 mm machine guns, providing operational flexibility. Thanks to its cradle-mounted firing and charging mechanism, the system can quickly adapt to different weapon configurations depending on mission requirements.

The RCWS offers a capacity of 500 rounds for 12.7 mm ammunition and 1,000 rounds for 7.62 mm ammunition. Its compact structure enables easy integration into both newly built naval platforms and existing vessels. This modular capability allows rapid modernization across various classes of naval assets within the Turkish Navy.

AI-Supported Target Detection and Advanced Stabilization

The naval-type RCWS developed by BEST DEFENCE stands out with its AI-assisted target detection, identification, and tracking capabilities. The system can engage sea, land, and air targets with high precision, subject to operator authorization. Its advanced stabilization technology minimizes the effects of sea-induced vibration and vessel movement, ensuring high accuracy even when both the platform and the target are in motion.

Designed with an open architecture, the system can seamlessly integrate with various combat management systems and can be customized according to user requirements. This flexibility reinforces Türkiye’s “Blue Homeland” doctrine by strengthening maritime deterrence with indigenous, smart, and integrated defense solutions.

Through strategic public-private sector cooperation, Türkiye’s defense industry continues to expand its footprint in unmanned naval systems. The successful adaptation of land-proven technologies to maritime environments highlights the growing maturity and sustainability of the country’s domestic defense ecosystem.