Turkish Navy Commissions Sancar Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle

The Turkish Navy has commissioned the locally developed Sancar armed unmanned surface vehicle (USV) into operational service, strengthening its unmanned naval warfare capabilities.

Co-developed by Havelsan and Yonca Shipyard, the platform features mission autonomy built on the Advent combat management system architecture, enabling automated and autonomous decision-support functions as well as network-enabled operations.

Advent allows the USV to be operated from mobile ground control stations and integrated with other naval platforms in compliance with NATO standards, including coordinated swarm operations. 

Additional capabilities include AI-based image-processing software and secure communications. 

Sancar Unmanned Surface Vehicle

The armed USV’s modular design supports the integration of a wide range of sensors and weapon systems, enabling missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence gathering, surface combat, and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure.

It can deploy unmanned underwater vehicles and support mine countermeasure operations via an optional aft-mounted launch and recovery system, while also conducting off-board missions from next-generation minehunter ships to enhance operational flexibility in contested waters.

Measuring 12.7 meters (41.6 feet) in length with a displacement of 9 tonnes, the platform is powered by twin diesel engines and waterjets, enabling speeds in excess of 40 knots (74 kilometers/46 miles per hour), a range of 400 nautical miles (741 kilometers/460 miles) at 10 knots (18.5 kilometers/11.5 miles per hour), and operations in Sea State 4. 

For anti-surface warfare, Sancar is armed with Roketsan’s KMC launcher firing UMTAS and Cirit missiles, complemented by Aselsan’s SMASH 200 12.7mm remote-controlled weapon station.