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Aselsan focuses on naval one-way attack drones and swarm tactics
Turkish group Aselsan is showcasing a range of naval drones at Euronaval designed to offer a low-cost solution for attacking surface ships and maritime infrastructure. From the small Kiliç 10 autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to the Tufan uncrewed surface vehicle (USV), these systems highlight the upsurge of autonomous weapons and coordinated attacks at sea.
Kiliç and Tufan are designed for precision strikes, swarm coordination and autonomous mission execution.
© Aselsan
The growth of the drone sector is transforming naval operations. At Euronaval, Aselsan is highlighting three systems that illustrate this shift: two AUVs — the Kiliç 10 and Kiliç 200 — and the Tufan USV. Their common thread is a combination of low signature, strike capability, and — depending on the stated configurations — the ability to operate in swarms.
The Kiliç 10 offers a compact design. Measuring 1.20m long by 28cm in diameter, this small AUV is designed to be transported and deployed by a single operator. Its stated range is 10 nautical miles (around 18.5km). Fitted with an integrated explosive charge, it features optical sensors and multiple communications systems. Aselsan says it is designed to detect and attack surface or sub-surface naval platforms.
Kiliç 200: range extended to 200 nm
The larger Kiliç 200 is designed as an expendable UAV with a significantly greater range. Measuring 3.50m in length and 32.4cm in diameter, it boasts a range of 100nm, extendable to 200nm with an auxiliary battery. Its autonomous navigation relies on AI-assisted visual localisation. Satellite communications enable remote operation.
These two sub-surface systems are designed to complement traditional naval assets by offering compact platforms with low acoustic signatures that can approach targets discreetly. Their integration into coordinated swarm operations represents another development path highlighted by the Turkish group.
Tufan: a 50-knot USV
On the surface, the Tufan is a much larger vehicle. Developed by Aselsan in partnership with Ares Shipyard for the platform, it measures roughly 8.1 to 8.5m in length. Propelled by a petrol engine and waterjet, it can reach an announced speed of 50 knots and offers an operational radius of about 200nm.
The Tufan is built to carry a powerful explosive charge. Its low radar and thermal signature complicates detection, while its communication systems combine RF links, mesh networks and satellite systems. The system is also presented as capable of functioning in environments where communications or satellite navigation signals are jammed or degraded.
Beyond strikes, the drone could also contribute to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and patrol missions. Aselsan highlights the Tufan’s target detection and identification functions powered by computer vision, multi-sensor data fusion, and autonomous obstacle avoidance.
Swarm tactics: a new lever in naval warfare
The logic common to all three systems goes beyond their individual characteristics. Aselsan relies on coordinating multiple drones capable of operating together, splitting into sub-groups and overwhelming enemy defences. Such an approach could complicate the detection and interception of threats by multiplying the angles of approach and targets to be handled simultaneously.
With the Kiliç and Tufan families, the Turkish group illustrates an underlying trend: the use of uncrewed, potentially expendable systems to boost strike capabilities without directly exposing crew. The actual range, degree of autonomy and effectiveness of these vehicles will, however, depend on their configurations and operational conditions.
- Pascal Samama
