Introduction and Development of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles in Türkiye's Defense Industry

Early Stages of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles

The first water underwater vehicle was developed in Austria in 1864 by Luppis-Whitehead Automobile. This vehicle was a torpedo-shaped remotely controlled underwater vehicle. The first model resembling modern vehicles was the Poodle, designed by Dimitri Rebikoff in 1953.

The first significant advancements in unmanned underwater vehicles were made by the British Royal Navy and USA Navy. Initially these vehicles had no autonomous movement capabilities and were controlled via remote command. Their purposes included Mine mine clearance, destruction of explosives, mapping of ocean seabeds and they were used for military purposes. Due to insufficient energy technology of the era these vehicles could operate only for short long durations. Additionally control by operators was very difficult as signals could not be reliably transmitted through water. However Nevertheless they were used for extended duration periods by the US Navy and the British Royal Navy. During the Iran-Iraq War they were even deployed in the field to detect mines in the Hormuz Strait using active means.

^{US Navy CURV II-}Intelligence Resource Program

First Examples of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles in Türkiye

The first serious work in Türkiye was the ULİSAR project conducted under the TÜBİTAK-1001 program. It was developed within the framework of Middle East Technical University. Although the project initiated to meet the country’s military needs did not fully achieve its intended objectives it resulted in a system equipped with cameras projectors sonar sonar modems acoustics sensors and similar devices with designed and fabricated related electronic boards developed software and an operator console designed for user convenience.

The first autonomous vehicle was the AUVTECH project initiated by Istanbul Technical University. It can navigate autonomously underwater based on image processing and signal processing inputs. It can autonomously execute pre-defined missions. It possesses artificial intelligence and can respond to underwater stimuli. It has a pneumatic system for special tasks such as torpedo launch marker deployment or use of additional equipment.

One of the first unmanned underwater vehicles with advanced technology is SAGA a project of Middle East Technical University. SAGA is a mini-ROV class exploration and observation vehicle designed and manufactured entirely with domestic capabilities by DESİSTEK. It features advanced technology and can perform geological hydrographic archaeological research oil and gas exploration and missions such as ship and port security.

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Current Vehicles

STM NETA 300

The NETA 300 developed by STM Defense is an autonomous underwater vehicle. It has a broad mission spectrum including MKT operations search and rescue military operations and civilian and industrial applications. This vehicle can dive up to 300 meters and operate continuously for 24 hour hours. It has a maximum speed of 5 sea knots and is light enough to be transported by two personnel. It features a flexible modular design.

^{STM NETA 300-}STM DEFENSE

ASELSAN DERİNGÖZ 100M/600

The Deringöz developed by Aselsan can dive to depths of 600 meters. The vehicle can operate for 5 hours on a single battery with a maximum speed of 5.5 knots and a survey speed of 3 knots. It operates wirelessly and can execute multiple mission scenarios.

^{Aselsan Deringöz 100M/600-}Aselsan

ÇAKA

ÇAKA is primarily a kamikaze system developed by HAVELSAN. ÇAKA is capable of operating both underwater and on the surface. It exhibits a deterrent presence through continuous surface engagement ability to carry high explosive payloads underwater navigation dominance and capability for integrated operations with other unmanned systems.

^ÇAKA-HAVELSAN