Turkey’s 104 Kamikaze Sea Drone Program Takes Shape: Aselsan Tufan, STM Yaktu and Havelsan Swarms Are Coming to the Navy
The Turkish Navy has pulled the trigger on 104 kamikaze sea drones capable of swarm attacks. The order has been split among three domestic producers: ASELSAN, STM and Havelsan.
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Summary
According to information that emerged in May 2026, the Turkish Navy is acquiring 104 kamikaze sea drones (unmanned surface vehicles, USVs) capable of operating in swarms. The decision to procure the systems was taken at the February 2026 meeting of the Defence Industry Executive Committee (SSIK), Türkiye’s highest decision-making body for defence procurement and industrial policy, with the Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB) overseeing the program. The vehicles were first unveiled at the SAHA Expo exhibition in early May 2026.
Production Split
The total order of 104 vehicles was divided almost equally among three domestic firms: ASELSAN 40, STM 32 and Havelsan 32. Each company works together with a shipyard partner.
ASELSAN Tufan
ASELSAN, partnering with Ares Shipyard, offers its Tufan drone. Unveiled at SAHA Expo, the Tufan is 8.5 m long, with a maximum speed of around 90 km/h and a range of about 370 km. It can carry a 250 kg payload, with a warhead comparable in power to an Mk 82 bomb. Sea trials are scheduled for June, with fleet delivery planned to begin in 2027.
STM Yaktu
STM, in partnership with Yonca Shipyard, will produce the Yaktu drone. Also unveiled at SAHA Expo 2026, the Yaktu is 5.8 m long with a displacement of 1.7 tons. It is designed to meet asymmetric maritime operational requirements ranging from harbor protection to open-sea strike missions.
Havelsan
The third producer, Havelsan, works with Sefine Shipyard. Technical details of Havelsan’s design have not yet been shared publicly in the same detail as the other two systems.
Technical Comparison
| ASELSAN Tufan | STM Yaktu | Havelsan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shipyard partner | Ares Shipyard | Yonca Shipyard | Sefine Shipyard |
| Quantity | 40 | 32 | 32 |
| Length | 8.5 m | 5.8 m | Not disclosed |
| Speed | ~90 km/h | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Range | ~370 km | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Payload | 250 kg (Mk 82 class) | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
FAQ
How many vehicles were ordered?
A total of 104 kamikaze sea drones; ASELSAN 40, STM 32, Havelsan 32.
When was the decision made?
At the February 2026 meeting of the Defence Industry Executive Committee (SSIK).
When is delivery?
Fleet delivery of the ASELSAN Tufan is planned to begin in 2027.
