In a move set to change the dynamics of the battlefield, ASELSAN has unveiled Türkiye’s first autonomous kamikaze underwater vehicle, KILIÇ, alongside TUFAN, a kamikaze unmanned surface vessel with the destructive power of a heavy torpedo. These new platforms, making their debut at SAHA 2026, blend asymmetric warfare capability in both underwater and surface domains with autonomous technologies. Featuring satellite control and swarm operation capabilities, they represent a new phase in naval security.
KILIÇ Family to be used in Underwater Operations
Developed to detect and destroy underwater targets, KILIÇ has been designed with a compact, low-profile structure. Offered in two different classes, KILIÇ 10 and KILIÇ 200, the product family comes with swarm operation capability and wire-guided control features. In addition to the light-class KILIÇ 10, the KILIÇ 200 — which has a longer range and greater explosive capacity — is expected to be deployed from unmanned surface vessels (USVs).
TUFAN to be controllable via Satellite
Equipped with advanced autonomous capabilities, the TUFAN kamikaze unmanned surface vessel carries a warhead capacity close to that of a heavy torpedo. Capable of both reconnaissance and intelligence missions as well as swarm attacks, the system enables long-range operations thanks to its satellite control capability. TUFAN is targeted to enter the inventory by 2027.
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Technical Specifications and Operational Data
Mission Structure: Swarm operation capability optimised to saturate target defences.
KILIÇ 10 (Light-Class Kamikaze UUV): Low acoustic signature and hydrodynamic hull structure for underwater operations.
KILIÇ 200 (Medium-Class Kamikaze UUV): High warhead capacity and extended range features.
TUFAN (Kamikaze USV): Destructive power equivalent to heavy torpedoes and high manoeuvrability.
Communication: Beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operation capability for the TUFAN system, thanks to satellite control.
Autonomy: Image-based target detection, autonomous engagement, and obstacle avoidance algorithms.
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Source: C4Defence
