Operating with domestic capital in the defense industry, ARES Shipyard and METEKSAN Defence have launched Turkey’s first Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle (AUSV) program as a result of intensive R&D activities, which have been going on for the last couple of years. AUSV is the first prototype platform of the “ULAQ” line, which successfully destroyed the target by firing guided missiles for the first time in the world from an Unmanned Surface Vehicle and completed all tests including the firing tests with the 12.7mm weapon system.

ULAQ brings about a great advantage over conventional manned ships due to its dramatically lower life cycle costs. Likewise, they are lighter than conventional vessels and can reach more endurance with the same amount of supplies. On the other hand, ULAQ is more advanced than a manned platform in terms of its ability to detect threats, being stronger than human perceptions, and revealing situational awareness more clearly, thanks to the sensors on it.