ASELSAN has introduced two new-generation autonomous naval strike systems at SAHA EXPO 2026, marking a new step in Türkiye’s efforts to expand its unmanned maritime warfare capabilities.
The company unveiled KILIÇ, Türkiye’s first kamikaze autonomous underwater vehicle, and TUFAN, a new-generation kamikaze unmanned surface vessel, under the theme of “new strike powers of the Blue Homeland.”
The launch took place during SAHA EXPO 2026, which is being held at the Istanbul Expo Center between May 5 and 9. The exhibition brings together the global defense, aerospace and space industry, with more than 1,700 exhibitor companies and participants from over 120 countries expected to attend.
According to Anadolu Agency, the launch ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of National Defense Bilal Durdalı, Turkish Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol and Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar.
KILIÇ: Türkiye’s First Kamikaze Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
KILIÇ is designed as an unmanned, single-use underwater strike system developed to detect and neutralize naval targets.
The first member of the family, KILIÇ 10, is positioned in the ultra-lightweight class. It features a compact and hydrodynamic design with a low-observable profile, making it suitable for asymmetric naval warfare and underwater or surface-related operations.
The system is designed to provide high-precision strike capability, swarm operation functionality, cable-guided control and low detectability. These characteristics make KILIÇ 10 a potential force multiplier in contested maritime environments where conventional platforms may face high risk.
KILIÇ 200: Larger Payload and Longer-Range Capability
ASELSAN also introduced KILIÇ 200, a medium-class member of the KILIÇ family.
Compared to KILIÇ 10, KILIÇ 200 is designed with greater range and a larger explosive payload. It can be deployed from unmanned surface vessels and is equipped with an integrated warhead for precision engagement.
The system also features swarm operation capability and includes surface thermal and infrared camera systems to extend its mission range and improve targeting performance.
With these features, the KILIÇ family gives Türkiye a new underwater kamikaze capability that can be used in asymmetric naval operations, harbor defense, coastal denial missions and high-risk maritime strike scenarios.
TUFAN: Kamikaze Unmanned Surface Vessel for Asymmetric Naval Warfare
ASELSAN’s second major launch, TUFAN, is a kamikaze unmanned surface vessel designed to carry a high-explosive warhead.
TUFAN can operate individually or as part of a swarm. It is designed for missions against surface targets, naval platforms and critical coastal infrastructure.
The platform can also support reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence missions before conducting strike operations. Its ability to form asymmetric attack formations and mission-specific subgroups gives it flexibility in complex maritime scenarios.
TUFAN is equipped with autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance capability. It can avoid both moving and stationary obstacles without human intervention and offers image-based target detection and engagement.
According to ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol, TUFAN can carry a warhead comparable to a heavy torpedo, operate autonomously and be controlled via satellite. Akyol also stated that the system is planned to enter inventory in 2027.
ASELSAN’s Expanding Role in Naval Systems
Speaking at the ceremony, ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol said that the company currently has more than 50 systems serving on different naval platforms. He emphasized that the dynamics of the battlefield are changing and that cost-effective deterrent systems are becoming increasingly important.
Akyol described KILIÇ as a cost-effective and deterrent system designed for the Turkish Navy as well as friendly and allied countries. He also noted that ASELSAN is planning serial production while R&D activities continue.
Turkish Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu stated that Türkiye’s geography requires a strong navy and emphasized that the country is currently building 41 military ships at the same time. He also said that Türkiye has reached a strong position in unmanned naval vehicles and that KILIÇ and TUFAN will strengthen the Turkish Naval Forces.
Strategic Importance for the Blue Homeland
The launch of KILIÇ and TUFAN reflects the growing importance of unmanned maritime systems in modern naval warfare.
Recent conflicts have shown that low-cost, autonomous and expendable systems can create strategic effects against larger and more expensive platforms. In the maritime domain, this trend is becoming especially important for coastal defense, harbor protection, fleet protection, swarm attacks and asymmetric strike missions.
KILIÇ brings this concept below the surface, while TUFAN extends it to high-speed surface operations. Together, the two systems give ASELSAN a new autonomous naval strike family that can operate across underwater and surface domains.
For Türkiye, these systems also support the broader Blue Homeland strategy by increasing deterrence in surrounding seas and offering new options for unmanned naval warfare.
With KILIÇ and TUFAN, ASELSAN is expanding beyond sensors, radars, electronic warfare and shipborne weapon systems into autonomous maritime strike platforms, strengthening Türkiye’s position in the global unmanned naval systems market.
