Turkish Naval Forces hosted an exercise in the Mediterranean Sea involving unmanned surface vessels, ships, submarines, and aircraft. The Denizkurdu-II drill began May 7 and concluded May 18 in MARMARIS, Turkey. Six Albatros-S unmanned surface vessels by Aselsan were present, with the TCB 1101 also participating.
The Albatros-S vessel is 7.2 meters long, 2 meters wide, with a displacement of 2,200 kilograms and capable of speeds over 40 knots. The TCB 1101 is 15 meters long, 3.85 meters wide, with a displacement of 21 tons, featuring electronic support and countermeasures systems.
USVs were controlled from land-based and shipborne centers, offering defense against threats and fulfilling various missions. Other participating platforms included crewed ships, submarines, aircraft, combat vehicles, fighter aircraft, and cargo planes.
The navy did not respond to inquiries for comments. Cem Devrim Yaylali, a correspondent for Defense News, covered the exercise in Turkey and specializes in naval and defense topics. Born in Paris, France, and based in Istanbul, Turkey, he has a passion for military ships and writing about defense issues.