Türkiye unveils ULAQ KAMA: Newest addition to Unmanned Surface Vessel Fleet.

According to a PR published by Meteksan on July 25, 2024, the latest member of the ULAQ Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) family, the ULAQ KAMA, has been unveiled. This new USV, a collaborative creation of Antalya-based ARES Shipyard and Ankara-based Meteksan Defense.
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A model of the ULAQ KAMA at IDEF 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

Its primary role is as a deterrent weapon and an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform due to its robust communication network, extended range, and low-profile design.

The ULAQ KAMA boasts several advanced features, including a length of 6.37 meters, a beam of 1.20 meters, and a draft of 0.30 meters. It can operate at speeds exceeding 20 knots and has an operational range of over 200 nautical miles.

With a maximum weight of 1.3 tons and a payload capacity of 200 kilograms, it is built to withstand sea state 4 conditions. The vessel can be remotely controlled, semi-autonomous, or fully autonomous, and includes various navigation systems such as GNSS receivers and thermal cameras.

The design of ULAQ KAMA emphasizes stealth, high speed, agility, and survivability. Its artificial intelligence capabilities allow it to effectively operate in complex maritime environments, implement swarm tactics, and discriminate between targets. This makes it a versatile asset in naval operations, addressing some of the limitations of traditional sea mines, submarines, and patrol boats.

For instance, it can provide broader area control and enhanced target discrimination compared to sea mines, and its presence can complement submarine operations by adding a surface threat dimension.