ULAQ AUSV - Armed Surface Combat | Military Drone Specs

ULAQ AUSV overview

The ULAQ AUSV (Armed Unmanned Surface Vessel) is an autonomous naval platform jointly developed by the Turkish companies Ares Shipyard and Meteksan Defence. First launched in 2021, the ULAQ is Turkey's first armed unmanned surface vessel. The 12-meter vessel is constructed using advanced composite materials and is equipped with four Cirit and two L-UMTAS missiles, as well as a stabilized remote weapon station. It can reach speeds of 65 km/h and operate autonomously or via remote control.

The ULAQ has been designed for a range of naval missions including asymmetric warfare, coastal patrol, force protection, and ISR. The Turkish Navy has conducted extensive sea trials with the platform, including live fire exercises. As of 2025, ULAQ has been demonstrated in multiple configurations and Turkey has positioned it for export to allied nations. The platform's significance lies in Turkey's emergence as a leader in unmanned surface vessel development, extending its successful drone program from the air domain to the naval domain. The ULAQ represents a new class of affordable, missile-armed unmanned vessels that can augment conventional naval forces.

Armament

Cirit/UMTAS missiles (4), L3Harris WESCAM EO/IR, 12.7mm stabilized RWS

Development and operational timeline

Feb 2021ULAQ AUSV launched by Ares Shipyard in Antalya
May 2021ULAQ completes first live missile firing test with Cirit
Jun 2022Turkish Navy conducts ULAQ integration exercises
Mar 2023Anti-submarine warfare variant of ULAQ announced
Oct 2024ULAQ offered for export with multiple weapon configurations