ARES Shipyard and Meteksan Defence are primed to launch the prototype model of a new series of armed unmanned surface vehicles (AUSVs) developed for the Turkish Naval Forces. Scheduled for launch in December, the newbuild will demonstrate the capabilities of the crew-free ULAQ series, which has reportedly been in R&D for the past couple of years, and which has been encouraged by Turkey's 'Blue Homeland' defence programme.The design was finalised in August and construction of the prototype was completed in early Q4. After outfitting has been concluded, the vessel will be deployed in Mediterranean waters.Managing five boatbuilding facilities within Turkey's Antalya Free Zone, ARES Shipyard specialises in aluminium and composite vessel construction, typically focusing on commercial and military projects. Meanwhile, Ankara-based Meteksan Defence produces radars, communications systems and surveillance/early warning systems, and is contracted to the Turkish Naval Forces.
展开▼
