Turkiye’s Indigenous Mini Submarine & Sinarit XLUUV

Türkiye’s indigenous Mini-Submarine Project unveiled at SAHA EXPO 2026

Türkiye has showcased its first national mini-submarine project, boasting an 80% domestic production rate, which is set to provide a strategic advantage at operational depths. Introduced during SAHA EXPO 2026, the platform stands out for its technical infrastructure that combines unmanned testing capabilities with operational flexibility through an “underwater pickup truck” concept.

A Dynamic Test Platform for the MİLDEN Project

Datum AŞ tarafından geliştirilen SRV - Denizaltı Personel Kurtarma Aracı görseli. — Datum SRV – Submarine Rescue Vehicle

Datum Submarine Technologies Inc., an Istanbul Technical University (ITU) based firm, shared details regarding the indigenous mini-submarine platform developed with the support of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB). The vessel, which completed its assembly process at Sefine Shipyard and successfully performed its first diving tests on April 14, 2026, holds the title of the first submarine project classed by Türk Loydu.

The Multi-Purpose Mini-Submarine (ÇAMD) allows for the underwater testing of new systems within the scope of the MİLDEN (National Submarine) Project without diverting main combat submarines from their primary duties. Planned to be equipped with Aselsan-produced sonars and Roketsan Orka torpedo launch systems, this mini-submarine completed its maiden dive off the coast of Karamürsel in unmanned mode.

The Multi-Purpose Mini Submarine (ÇAMD) en route to the offshore of Karamürsel for its deep-dive function test.

Modular SİNARİT XLUUV Increases Operational Flexibility

Developed by Datum Inc. and categorized as an Extra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV), Sinarit is designed with standard container dimensions to be transportable by A400M aircraft. The vehicle’s modular cargo bay allows for the integration of various mission packages by providing 3.8 meters of additional volume depending on the intended use.

Sinarit Modüler Faydalı Yüklü İnsansız Sualtı Aracının, A400M tipi Askeri Kargo Uçakları ile konuşlandırılabilme kabiliyetini betimleyen final ürün çıktısı. — Final product rendering depicting the deployment capability of the Sinarit Modular Payload Large-Scale Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV) via A400M military transport aircraft.

Described as an “underwater pickup truck” by ITU faculty member Dr. Münir Cansın Özden, Sinarit minimizes the risk of detection thanks to its low sonar cross-section. The platform is capable of performing 12 different functions, including coordinated swarm attacks with Baykar UAVs, Malaman mine laying, and the launching of Roketsan-produced Atmaca or Çakır missiles. Through the engineering expertise gained, the company aims to offer specialized mini-submarine solutions tailored to the operational needs of the Turkish Naval Forces..