The Azerbaijan Navy has showcased its Turkish-built “Salvo” unmanned surface vessel (USV) for the first time during an exercise, signaling a new chapter in maritime security.
The Dearsan USV made its debut in a live-fire exercise in the Caspian Sea focused on protecting “marine energy infrastructure,” according to Baku-based political analyst Fuad Shahbazov, who shared a clip of the drill on social media.
The drill comes as Azerbaijani oil and gas exports to the EU increase, with the bloc striving to cut reliance on Russian energy, Azeri analyst Gadir Aslan noted.
It is not yet clear when the Azerbaijan Navy acquired the platform.
#TUR-made #ULAQ, unmanned surface vessel, is now acquired by #AZE 🇦🇿 Navy Forces and starred in the most recent video footage released by the #MoD 🇦🇿. Very timely decision amid the rising security risks in the #CaspianSea. https://t.co/hFyszosHe0 pic.twitter.com/hFIAzZLg79
— Fuad Shahbazov (@fuadshahbazov) August 14, 2025
Salvo Drone Boat
The Salvo can be armed with a 12.7mm stabilized machine gun and guided missile system and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 knots (111 kilometers/69 miles per hour).
Unveiled in 2022, the unmanned platform has an operational range of about 300 nautical miles (550 kilometers/345 miles) and can be operated from both shore-based control centers and naval command ships.
It is designed for a wide range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence gathering, surface and asymmetric warfare, armed escort, and the protection of strategic facilities.
The Salvo is available in three configurations: a 15-meter (49-foot) intelligence and surveillance variant and an 11-meter (36-foot) version offered in two different configurations.
Turkish Unmanned Capabilities
Baku’s acquisition of the Salvo USV underscores deepening Ankara-Baku collaboration on unmanned systems while reinforcing Turkey’s prominence in drone warfare capabilities.
In November 2024, Ankara signed an export agreement with Qatar for the ULAQ 11 unmanned surface vessel, produced by Turkish defense firm Meteksan.
Beyond the two platforms, Turkish industry has also unveiled the SANCAR armed USV, a joint development by Yonca Onuk and Havelsan, as well as the ALBATROS USV swarm produced by Aselsan.
