The LEVENT USV has been developed to address increasingly complex maritime security challenges, particularly in littoral waters, ports, naval bases, and strategic maritime chokepoints. Modern asymmetric threats—such as fast attack craft, small explosive-laden boats, sabotage attempts, and coordinated multi-domain attacks—require persistent surveillance and rapid response without exposing personnel to unnecessary risk. LEVENT fulfills this operational requirement by acting as a forward-deployed, unmanned security node.

Operational Purpose and Role

LEVENT’s primary mission is to conduct:

• Port and naval base protection
• Coastal patrol
• Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
• Asymmetric threat deterrence and engagement
• Search and rescue support
• Communication relay missions
• Target platform role during exercises

It can operate independently or as part of a larger naval task group, extending the situational awareness perimeter of mother ships or coastal command centers.

Doctrine and Concept of Operations

Within modern network-centric naval doctrine, unmanned surface systems are employed to:

• Provide persistent surveillance
• Reduce personnel exposure in high-risk zones
• Act as distributed sensor and shooter nodes
• Support layered defense architectures

LEVENT integrates into this doctrine by functioning as a mobile forward security asset. It can patrol autonomously within predefined routes or be remotely directed to investigate suspicious contacts. In a naval base defense scenario, multiple LEVENT units can create a distributed protective ring around critical infrastructure.

Platform Architecture

The system is built on a high-mobility RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) platform, offering:

• High speed and maneuverability
• Stability in rough sea states
• Shallow-water operational capability

Its architecture consists of three primary layers:

Sensor Layer

• Daylight electro-optical cameras
• Night vision/thermal imaging systems
• Mission-configurable sensor integration (publicly available technical details are limited)

Command and Control Layer

• Portable control console
• Ship-integrated control station
• High-speed data and video transmission

Effector Layer

• 7.62 mm machine gun integration
• 12.7 mm heavy machine gun integration (via remote weapon station configuration)

Weapon configuration depends on mission requirements.

Autonomy and Control Modes

LEVENT supports three operational modes:

• Fully autonomous navigation
• Remote control operation
• Onboard manual control (manned mode)

This hybrid capability allows dynamic transition between control modes during missions. For example, the platform may operate manned in harbor transit and switch to unmanned mode in high-threat zones.

Survivability and Protection Philosophy

LEVENT’s survivability approach is based on:

• High maneuverability
• Stand-off operation
• Remote mission execution

Rather than relying primarily on heavy armor protection, the system minimizes risk by removing personnel from direct exposure. Specific ballistic protection details are not publicly disclosed.

Advantages and Limitations Against Modern Threats

Advantages

• Eliminates risk to crew in high-threat environments
• Rapid deployment capability
• Modular payload integration
• Flexible mission profile
• Compatibility with other unmanned systems

Limitations

• Dependence on communication links
• Potential vulnerability in heavy electronic warfare environments (detailed specifications not publicly disclosed)
• Limited firepower compared to larger manned combat vessels

Detailed Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

Exact dimensions and displacement values have not been publicly disclosed. The system is based on a RHIB-class hull platform.

Propulsion System

• Diesel engine propulsion
• Maximum speed: up to 30 knots
• Minimum 4 hours mission endurance with diesel engine off

Battery capacity and hybrid propulsion details are not publicly available.

Performance

• Maximum speed: 30 knots
• Autonomous navigation capability
• Shallow water operability

Full operational range (in nautical miles) has not been publicly disclosed.

Sensors

• Daylight electro-optical camera
• Night vision / thermal imaging systems
• Mission-specific sensor integration

Radar integration details are not publicly confirmed.

Armament and Effectors

• 7.62 mm machine gun
• 12.7 mm heavy machine gun

Remote weapon station stabilization features depend on configuration.

Command and Control

• Portable operator control station
• Ship-based control integration
• High-speed encrypted data and video link (technical bandwidth and encryption details not publicly disclosed)

Mobility and Deployment

• Rapid launch capability
• Operable from shore or mother ship
• Continuous harbor patrol configuration

Personnel requirements vary by operational mode. In unmanned mode, control is conducted remotely from the operator station.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LEVENT USV used for?

• LEVENT is designed for maritime security missions such as port protection, coastal patrol, ISR operations, and asymmetric threat response. It enhances situational awareness while minimizing personnel exposure.

What is the maximum speed of LEVENT?

• The system can reach speeds of up to 30 knots.

What types of threats can it counter?

LEVENT is effective against:

• Small high-speed boats
• Sabotage attempts in ports
• Low-intensity maritime threats
• Asymmetric surface attacks

It contributes to layered defense and early response strategies.

Is LEVENT fully autonomous?

• It supports autonomous navigation but also allows remote control and manned operation. It is a hybrid platform.

Is it armed?

• Yes. It can be equipped with 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns depending on mission configuration.

Is it mobile or fixed?

• It is a fully mobile maritime platform based on a high-speed RHIB hull.

Can it operate with other unmanned systems?

• Yes. It is designed to be compatible with network-centric operations and can work alongside other unmanned air or maritime systems.

How does it compare to similar systems?

• Compared to similar port-security USVs globally, LEVENT stands out due to its hybrid manned/unmanned configuration and modular integration capability onto existing boat platforms.

Sources

• ASELSAN official product pages and press releases
• Public defense industry exhibition materials
• Open-source defense publications