Turkey’s ULAQ Global to Localize Drone Boat Production in Saudi Arabia

Turkish defense firm ULAQ Global Autonomous Systems has signed a deal with Saudi Arabia to jointly develop and produce unmanned surface vessels (USVs) in the kingdom.

The agreement, signed at World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, establishes a framework for the design, development, production, system integration, and maintenance of drone boats in the Middle Eastern country.

Part of the cooperation is ULAQ Global’s transfer of technical expertise to Saudi state corporation SAMI Autonomous Company in support of the domestic assembly of USVs.

Among ULAQ’s key products are the standard, 11-meter (36-foot) model Armed USV, the 6-meter (20-foot) KAMA kamikaze USV, and the Port Security Vessel.

‘Sustainable Profits’

The partnership marks Saudi Arabia’s first agreement of its kind in the sector, aligning with the government’s commitment to localize defense manufacturing and strengthen maritime capabilities by the end of the decade.

Kerem Kalafatoglu, a board member at ULAQ Global, said the agreement prioritizes collaborative efforts that will expand the global reach of both the Turkish and Saudi ventures.

“This initiative will offer us the opportunity to generate sustainable profits, and we aim to export the ULAQ USV not only to Saudi Arabia but also to the rest of the world,” Anadolu Agency quoted him as saying.

“Our work continues here and in Europe and the US. We aim to grow ULAQ Global at a global scale, so I hope there will be more comprehensive news soon.”

World Defense Show 2026 brought together more than 1,480 exhibitors from 89 countries, including government entities and international defense companies.

It was the largest military and security exhibit in the Middle East to date, and has provided a forum for huge projects in weapons, warships, and digital capabilities.