The Turkish Navy has commissioned the Sancar armed unmanned surface vehicle, marking a significant step forward in its unmanned naval operations strategy.
Developed through a partnership between Havelsan and Yonca Shipyard, the USV integrates mission autonomy powered by the ADVENT combat management system. This architecture supports autonomous decision-making, network-enabled coordination, and remote control functionality.
Through ADVENT, the vessel can be operated from mobile command stations and linked with other fleet units under NATO interoperability standards, including swarm-based tactics. The system also incorporates AI-based visual analysis tools and encrypted communications.
Operational Profile
Sancar’s modular design allows rapid integration of different payloads, enabling roles such as ISR, surface combat, infrastructure protection, and maritime security.
The USV can launch and recover unmanned underwater vehicles and conduct mine countermeasure operations using an optional aft deployment system. It is also capable of off-board missions from advanced minehunter ships, expanding flexibility in high-risk waters.
Measuring 12.7 meters in length and displacing 9 tonnes, the craft is powered by twin diesel engines and waterjets, achieving speeds exceeding 40 knots. It has an operational range of 400 nautical miles at cruising speed and can function in Sea State 4 conditions.
In the anti-surface role, the platform is fitted with Roketsan’s KMC launcher for UMTAS and Cirit missiles, supported by Aselsan’s SMASH 200 remote-controlled 12.7mm weapon system.
