ULAQ

The ULAQ is a Turkish armed unmanned surface vessel (AUSV) developed for the Turkish Navy by Ares Shipyard and Meteksan Defense Systems. Design work was completed in August 2020, and the prototype was launched in Antalya on 12 February 2021. The vessel conducted its first guided missile firing test on 25 May 2021, deploying a Roketsan Cirit missile to strike a target.

The vessel is constructed from advanced composite materials. Designed for modularity, it can be configured with various weapon systems and sensor payloads depending on mission requirements. It can be deployed from combat ships and operated remotely from mobile vehicles, land-based headquarters, command centers, or floating platforms. Its communications systems utilize indigenous encryption, and it is equipped with day and night vision systems, electronic warfare resistance measures, and an anti-GPS jammer.

The platform is designed to operate in cooperation with other unmanned surface vessels, armed unmanned aerial vehicles, and manned aircraft, transmitting real-time imagery and operational data. Multiple variants are planned to support different mission roles, including surface combat, anti-ship warfare, port security, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), mine countermeasures (MCM), search and rescue, firefighting, and high-speed strike operations. In design concept, the vessel shares characteristics with the United States Fleet-class common USV and the Israeli Protector USV.

The vessel is in service with the Turkish Navy. It has also been ordered by the Qatari Emiri Navy, marking the system's first export contract.