Turkish defense company ASELSAN has introduced a new generation of autonomous naval strike systems during the SAHA 2026 International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition, highlighting its focus on next-generation maritime warfare technologies.
The company showcased two key systems under the concept of strengthening Türkiye’s “Blue Homeland” doctrine: the KILIÇ autonomous kamikaze underwater vehicle and the TUFAN kamikaze unmanned surface vessel.
KILIÇ: Autonomous Underwater Strike Capability
The KILIÇ system is designed as an unmanned, single-use underwater vehicle intended to detect and neutralize maritime targets. The platform falls within the ultra-lightweight category and features a compact, hydrodynamic design with a low observability profile.
Optimized for asymmetric naval warfare and both subsurface and surface operations, KILIÇ offers high-precision strike capability, swarm operation functionality, cable-guided control, and reduced detectability, enabling it to operate effectively in complex maritime environments.
The KILIÇ product family includes multiple variants. The KILIÇ 10 is positioned as a lightweight, cost-effective solution, while the KILIÇ 200 represents a medium-class variant with extended range and a larger explosive payload. The KILIÇ 200 can be deployed from unmanned surface vessels and is equipped with an integrated warhead for precision engagement. It also incorporates thermal and infrared imaging systems to enhance operational range and targeting capabilities.
TUFAN: Kamikaze Unmanned Surface Vessel
ASELSAN also presented the TUFAN system, a new-generation kamikaze unmanned surface vessel designed to carry a high-explosive payload. The platform is capable of operating both independently and in coordinated swarm formations.
TUFAN is designed for a range of missions, including targeting surface vessels and neutralizing critical infrastructure along coastlines. It can be deployed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence missions, either as a standalone unit or as part of a coordinated group.
The system features advanced autonomy, enabling it to avoid both moving and stationary obstacles without human intervention. It also incorporates image-based target detection and engagement capabilities, supporting precise targeting in dynamic operational environments.
With its high speed, maneuverability, and advanced situational awareness, TUFAN is intended to serve as a force multiplier in naval operations, particularly in asymmetric warfare scenarios.
Focus on Future Maritime Capabilities
ASELSAN stated that the systems reflect its ongoing efforts to develop indigenous, autonomous solutions tailored to evolving maritime threats. The introduction of KILIÇ and TUFAN underscores a broader shift toward unmanned and networked systems designed to enhance operational flexibility and effectiveness in modern naval warfare.
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