AKYA - Next Generation Heavyweight Torpedo

AKYA is one of the defense industry projects of Turkish, a heavy-class torpedo system developed entirely with domestic capabilities. AKYA is capable of engaging surface vessels and other submarines launched from Türkiye’s submarines, and holds critical importance especially for the Turkish Armed Forces. This torpedo stands out due to its high speed, extended range, precise guidance, and powerful warhead. Developed by Roketsan, AKYA is Türkiye’s first indigenous torpedo munition.

^{ROKETSAN – Heavy-Class Torpedo (Credit:} roketsan.com⁾

The AKYA torpedo is a significant project that showcases the indigenous technological capabilities Türkiye’s defense industry has acquired in recent years. The development of AKYA leveraged Roketsan’s decades-long experience in designing advanced and smart munition systems. Initiated to meet the Turkish Navy’s requirement for 533 mm diameter torpedoes, the project was executed entirely with national resources.

In the initial phase, tests were conducted using the MÜREN war guidance system and were successfully completed. Following these tests, development of the AKYA torpedo accelerated, and firing trials were carried out from the TCG Preveze submarine. By the end of 2021, firing tests of the training version of AKYA were conducted, with initial deliveries planned for 2022.

The AKYA torpedo features an advanced guidance system that effectively tracks and engages targets. Its guidance modes include internal guidance and external guidance via fiber optic cable. Active and passive sonar heads enable the torpedo to home in on detected targets. Additionally, wire guidance can be effectively employed against surface targets.

The AKYA warhead is a shock-insensitive underwater effect warhead with high explosive yield. This warhead generates a powerful shock effect upon impact, providing effective lethality against heavily armored targets such as submarines. The torpedo also employs a proximity fuse mechanism that detonates as it approaches the target.

Following its development, the AKYA torpedo underwent an intensive testing program. These tests, including firing trials conducted from the TCG Preveze submarine, were successfully completed. Additional firing trials from the TCG Gür submarine further validated the torpedo’s effectiveness and reliability. As a result of these tests, a contract was signed for integration of the AKYA torpedo onto the Preveze-class submarines, with deliveries commencing in 2022.

AKYA is not merely a munition system but also a project that strengthens Türkiye’s capabilities within its defense industry. It was developed through collaboration among key stakeholders including Roketsan, TÜBİTAK, the Presidency of Defense Industries, and the Turkish Navy Command. Furthermore, the AKYA project has significantly contributed to enhancing Türkiye’s domestic production capacity and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

^{AKYA Torpedo underwater (Credit:} roketsan.com⁾

AKYA is a munition system equipped with superior performance and advanced technologies. Its key features include:

• Range: 50+ km
• Speed: 45+ knots
• Targets: Submarines and surface vessels
• Guidance: Acoustic countermeasure capability
• • Active and passive sonar heads
  • Wire guidance
  • Internal guidance and external guidance via fiber optic cable
• Fuze: Proximity sensor and impact detonation
• Warhead: Shock-insensitive underwater effect warhead
• Launch System: Eject-and-float launch
• Propulsion System: Brushless DC electric motor with contra-rotating propeller
• Battery: High-energy chemical battery

These technical features position AKYA as a formidable asset among current defense systems. Thanks to its high speed and extended range, AKYA can reach and engage targets effectively. Additionally, its active/passive sonar heads and wire guidance system enable the torpedo to evade enemy countermeasures, ensuring a high probability of mission success.