Qatar Makes History as First Export Customer of Turkish ULAQ Armed USV

This is a historic moment in Turkey’s defense industry since Meteksan Defence with ARES Shipyard, and Qatar’s Ministry of Interior ink deal for the export of the ULAQ 11 Port Security Vessel (PSV). The deal completed at the Milipol Qatar 2024 fair means the first export of an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) for Turkey and puts the country on the map for autonomous naval technology.

The strategic partnership is expected to improve maritime security.

The ULAQ 11 PSV shall be designed to address the operational needs of reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence of the Qatar Coast Guard Command. Some of the recent enhancements of the vessel include a 12.7 mm remote control weapon system, advanced radar systems, and secure communication systems incorporated in an efficient and fully automated marine craft suitable for the most efficient naval operation.

The deal proves that Qatar is expanding its security in the maritime sector while showing the increasingly global acceptance of Turkish technology in defense. It will also establish higher standards in unmanned maritime systems and promote a better defense relationship between the two countries.

The Future Growth of the Industry Leaders

ARES Shipyard’s Deputy General Manager, Oguzhan Pehlivanli also underlined the company’s commitment to building production standard unmanned surface vessels with various missions and payloads. Their strategic plan is to make Turkey the world’s leader in autonomous naval systems for both domestic and export use.

The first unmanned surface vessel export of Turkey was an important achievement according to the Deputy General Manager of Meteksan Defense, Sukru Serkan Sevim. He also said that their success in finding out flexible solutions for various sea conditions has increased their confidence level to further enhance and deliver the emerging requirements of Turkey and its allies.