Qatar plans innovative UUVs & USVs projects in collaboration with Türkiye.

According to a Tactical Report article dated December 14, 2023, the Qatar Ministry of Defense has made a decision to strengthen its naval capabilities, focusing on the revitalization of projects involving Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). To realize this ambition, Barzan Holdings, representing Qatari interests, initiated a collaboration with Turkish shipbuilders, known for their expertise in manufacturing these vehicles.
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Model of NB57 Unmanned Surface Vehicle during DIMDEX 2022. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

The Qatar naval project, in collaboration with Türkiye, is part of a broader context of development and innovation in the field of unmanned naval systems. Thanks to its defense companies such as Aselsan and STM, Türkiye has made significant progress in this area. Navy Recognition remember the presentation of a Turkish USV at the Qatari defense exhibition DIMDEX 2022, the Aselsan Sefine NB57.

The Aselsan-Sefine NB57 is an innovative project of an unmanned maritime vehicle, developed as part of a collaboration between two major Turkish companies, ASELSAN and Sefine Shipyard. The NB57 is part of a broader initiative to strengthen the maritime security of Türkiye, often referred to as "Mavi Vatan" or "Blue Homeland".

This vehicle is designed to execute a variety of strategic missions in the field of maritime defense. It is equipped with advanced technologies, including autonomous weapons and sophisticated navigation systems. The main goal of these vehicles is to improve Türkiye's maritime surveillance and defense capabilities by providing autonomous solutions for surface and underwater warfare.

The NB57, in particular, is a project that showcases Türkiye's skills and expertise in the field of unmanned maritime vehicles. Together with its partners SEFT Ship Design, ARMELSAN, and ROKETSAN, the project aims to develop vehicles equipped with the latest technologies in armament and navigation. Among the planned features for the NB57 are the integration of torpedoes and stabilized weapon platforms provided by ASELSAN. These technologies will allow the NB57 to perform complex missions with increased precision and efficiency.

This cooperation project between Turkey and Qatar is not a first; the Qatari Emiri Navy already possesses several vessels of Turkish origin. The fleet includes several classes of fast attack ships and training ships built in Turkish shipyards.

The MRTP (Multi-Role Tactical Platform) series, constructed by Yonca-Onuk in Istanbul, Turkey, plays a central role in the Qatari fleet. This series includes the MRTP 34, MRTP 24/U, MRTP 20, and MRTP 16 classes of fast attack ships. Entered into service in different years, with the MRTP 34 in 2013, the MRTP 24/U and MRTP 20 in 2018, and the MRTP 16 in 2012, these ships are known for their speed, agility, and versatility, making them suitable for a variety of roles such as patrol, interception, and special operations. They are equipped with armaments such as Aselsan 30 mm and 12.7 mm guns, with some models also featuring Roketsan UMTAS or Thales LMM missiles.

In addition to these fast attack ships, the collaboration of the Qatari Navy with Turkey in the field of naval training is exemplified by the acquisition of the Al Doha class training ships, built by Anadolu Shipyard in Turkey. Scheduled to enter service in 2021, these 90-meter training ships, named Al Doha (QTS 91) and Al Shamal (QTS 92), are designed to facilitate naval training.

These developments illustrate a growing trend towards the automation of naval systems. Indeed, the United States is also increasingly developing unmanned vehicles to minimize human risk in future operations.