Turkish defence firm preparing new armed USV for sea trials

Dearsan Shipyard of Turkey recently confirmed via a social media post that it will soon begin conducting sea trials of a new type of 15-metre armed unmanned surface vehicle (USV).

The craft will have a maximum speed of 60 knots and armament including guided missiles and a 12.7-millimetre machine gun fitted on a remotely-operated weapons mount.

The USV is designed to be deployed from larger surface vessels. Remote operation will be possible from another vessel, a shore station, or a land vehicle.

Missions will include surface warfare, asymmetric warfare, escort, reconnaissance, surveillance, and protection of strategically important facilities.