Modern conflicts are highlighting the advantages unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), underscoring the increasing relevance of these systems in modern naval warfare.
Meteksan Defense contributes to this domain through its integration of the ULAQ unmanned surface vehicle (AUSV) family into naval operations and the development of the kamikaze USV (KUSV), ULAQ KAMA.
Early tactical analyses of USVs provided a narrow view, but modern reviews require a broader perspective—examining the overall contribution of USV forces to conventional naval operations and shaping ideas for future naval force structures.
Meteksan Defense envisions its ULAQ as a sustainable and integral component of naval operations. Initially conceived to complement manned platforms, the focus now extends to examining how USVs can assume transformative roles in naval forces.
The Critical Role of Conventional Platforms
Naval forces traditionally rely on manned, multi-purpose platforms like cruisers, destroyers, and frigates. These ships are designed for versatile missions, their size and equipment enabling capabilities in anti-submarine, air defense, and surface warfare.
However, their cost and personnel value makes their loss catastrophic, leading planners to exclude high-risk operations for these assets during initial stages of conflict.
Risks in Confined Waters
In narrow seas, where adversaries operate within close range, conflict can escalate rapidly. Early losses due to reconnaissance or geographical advantages can critically weaken a force’s resolve. To mitigate this, valuable assets are often kept out of harm’s way, but this risks ceding control of the operational area, potentially leading to mission failure.
Expanding Capabilities with USVs
Unmanned Surface Vehicles offer solutions to conventional challenges. Acting as cost-effective, scalable, and risk-tolerant assets, USVs can operate as sensors, weapons platforms, or even as weapons themselves.
Their deployment in high-risk zones can protect conventional forces by drawing enemy fire, engaging adversaries, or providing crucial targeting data. In collaboration with UAVs, USVs significantly enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness.
USVs like the ULAQ KAMA can limit enemy maneuverability, forcing adversaries to stay outside their operational range. This was demonstrated in recent conflicts, where relentless attacks by KUSVs compelled a navy to relocate its assets, showcasing the strategic value of such systems.
ULAQ KAMA KUSV
Enhancing Operational Flexibility
The inclusion of USVs broadens operational decision-making. By reducing the risks associated with deploying conventional forces in contested areas, planners can adopt strategies previously deemed too hazardous. This flexibility has been evident in the recent conflicts, where weakened naval forces achieved operational success using KUSVs.
Maintaining Technological Asymmetry
Currently, USVs and KUSV systems hold an asymmetric advantage, offering significant benefits over conventional platforms. However, as technology evolves, this advantage will diminish. To maximize their impact, USVs must be integrated into naval forces along with appropriate doctrines and strategies while this window of asymmetry remains open. At the same time, defensive measures against similar systems must be developed to address emerging threats.
Future Strategies
Conventional forces remain essential in naval operations, but the growing role of unmanned systems introduces both opportunities and challenges. By integrating USVs into high-risk scenarios, navies can mitigate losses and shape outcomes more effectively.
The Turkish Navy in particular, alongside major defense technology companies, is reportedly set to drive these advancements. The imminent delivery of the ULAQ USV to the Turkish Navy will meet operational needs by harnessing the transformative power of unmanned technologies.
