First Export Naval Contract for Turkiye's ULAQ Armed Unmanned Surface Vessel Signed with Qatar.

According to a PR by Meteksan on October 30, 2024, Turkey has achieved a milestone in the unmanned naval defense sector as ARES Shipyard and Meteksan Defense secure their first export contract for the ULAQ Armed Unmanned Surface Vessel (AUSV) with Qatar. This landmark agreement, formalized with Qatar’s Ministry of Interior at the Milipol Qatar Exhibition, represents Turkey’s first venture into exporting unmanned surface vessel technology.
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Artist rendering of the ULAQ 11 Armed Unmanned Surface Vessel. (Picture source: ULAQ)

Under the contract, ARES Shipyard and Meteksan Defense will construct the ULAQ 11 Port Security Vessel (PSV) for the Qatar Coast Guard Command. Specifically designed to address Qatar’s maritime security needs, the ULAQ 11 PSV will enhance reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and critical facility protection capabilities.

The ULAQ 11 PSV will be equipped with a 12.7 mm remote-controlled weapon system for responsive defense, complemented by radar systems, secure encrypted communication channels, and advanced autonomous software.

Turkey has rapidly advanced in unmanned systems across aerial, naval, and ground platforms, making a significant mark in defense technology and export markets. In the aerial domain, Baykar's Bayraktar TB2 has gained international acclaim, having been deployed in various conflicts worldwide and exported to over 30 countries. This medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV exemplifies Turkey’s expertise, alongside the more advanced Bayraktar Akıncı, a high-altitude platform capable of carrying sophisticated munitions and extending operational reach. Baykar's ongoing work on the jet-powered, low-observable Bayraktar Kızılelma aims to push boundaries further with air-to-air and air-to-ground mission capabilities.

In the maritime sector, Turkey has developed the ULAQ, the country's first armed unmanned surface vessel, a collaboration between Ares Shipyard and Meteksan Defence. Designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and surface warfare, the ULAQ is a key component of Turkey’s expanding naval capabilities.

Underwater, Turkey is investing in unmanned submarine projects designed to perform intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations autonomously.

On land, Turkish defense companies are also innovating with unmanned ground vehicles. Havelsan’s Barkan is one such example, an autonomous vehicle equipped for reconnaissance and combat support.