BREAKING NEWS
The ASELSAN STOP system is a remotely operated and stabilized 25 mm naval gun system developed to address the growing threat of asymmetric warfare in maritime environments. It is optimized to engage small, fast-moving surface targets such as armed speedboats, unmanned surface vessels, piracy threats, and potential sabotage attempts in littoral and harbor environments.
Operational Purpose and Role
STOP serves as a close-range naval defense layer. Positioned between heavy main guns and light machine gun systems, it fills a critical operational gap. The 25 mm caliber provides sufficient firepower to neutralize lightly armored or fast attack craft while maintaining controlled engagement capability in congested maritime environments.
Additionally, the system can provide limited capability against low-altitude and slow-moving aerial threats, including certain types of unmanned aerial vehicles, depending on engagement conditions.
Doctrine and Concept of Employment
The system is typically deployed in:
STOP can automatically slew to target coordinates received from the ship’s radar or combat management system, significantly reducing reaction time between detection and engagement.
System Architecture
The STOP system consists of three primary subsystems:
Stabilized Gun Turret
Electro-Optical Sensor Suite
Weapon Control Unit
The modular architecture allows flexible integration into various naval platforms and supports network-centric warfare concepts.
Survivability and Protection
As a remotely operated system, STOP eliminates the need for exposed deck gunners, significantly improving crew survivability. The stabilized turret maintains accuracy under high sea states and vessel maneuvering conditions.
Detailed ballistic protection levels of the turret are not fully disclosed in publicly available sources.
Accuracy and Reaction Time
Thanks to dual-axis stabilization and automatic ballistic computation, the system can engage moving targets from a moving platform with high precision. The fire control system calculates lead angle, target speed, platform motion, wind, and ammunition characteristics.
Exact reaction time values are not publicly disclosed.
Integrated Ecosystem
STOP integrates with:
It can automatically cue to designated targets provided by other onboard sensors.
Advantages and Limitations Against Modern Threats
Advantages:
Limitations:
Variants and Configurations
The STOP family includes configurable sensor packages and integration options tailored to customer requirements. Public sources do not detail specific block versions or modernization roadmaps.
Operational Use and Inventory
The system is deployed within the Turkish Naval Forces and Coast Guard platforms. Export customers are reported in open sources; however, comprehensive official user lists are not fully disclosed.
Detailed Technical Specifications
Weapon System
Stabilization
Sensors and Detection Capability
The system does not include an organic search radar but can receive cueing from shipboard radar systems.
Engagement and Fire Control
Command and Control
Installation and Platform Integration
Personnel and Operation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the STOP system used for?
What is the engagement range?
What types of targets can it engage?
Does STOP have radar?
How many targets can it engage simultaneously?
Is it mobile or fixed?
Which platforms can integrate STOP?
What are its equivalents?
Sources