SAHA 2026: Aselsan seeks to replicate Turkey’s UAV success at sea
A lively crowd gathered for Aselan’s launch event at SAHA 2026 in İstanbul, where the new uncrewed naval solutions TUFAN and KILIÇ were unveiled. (Photo: Aselsan)
Turkey’s defence electronics company has unveiled two new uncrewed naval systems at SAHA 2026 – but the harder test will be converting it into an export success.
Aselsan unveiled two new uncrewed naval systems – the TUFAN uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) and the KILIÇ family of autonomous underwater strike systems – at SAHA 2026 in Istanbul on 5 May 2026.
TUFAN is designed to perform both offensive and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The platform combines high speed and manoeuvrability with advanced autonomy, enabling deployment in both littoral and open-sea conditions. Its swarm-enabled architecture supports simultaneous tasks including reconnaissance, surveillance and precision engagement.
KILIÇ, meanwhile, represents Aselsan’s entry into the subsurface domain. The family of autonomous underwater strike systems is developed for asymmetric warfare and covert
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition]()
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
-
![The FDI frigate: a growing success story with more opportunities to come]()
The FDI frigate: a growing success story with more opportunities to come
Designed as a multi-role frigate with both anti-submarine and air defence capabilities, Naval Group’s medium-sized FDI frigate increasingly stands out as a success story in an industry wrought with delays.
-
![US weighs offshore warship production due to industrial limits]()
US weighs offshore warship production due to industrial limits
A Pentagon push to procure warships from Japanese and South Korean shipyards could reshape allied naval industrial strategy, but critics warn the approach risks hollowing out the domestic base Washington is seeking to restore.
-
![Lessons shaping the next phase of Arleigh Burke production post-Flight IIA]()
Lessons shaping the next phase of Arleigh Burke production post-Flight IIA
The accelerated delivery of the final Flight IIA destroyer, USS Patrick Gallagher, showcases the payoff of years of workforce investment and process reform at Bath Iron Works, with the lessons feeding into Flight III production.
