IDEF 2023: Turkish companies jointly develop submersible kamikaze USV

A model version of the Çaka S-KUSV on display at IDEF 2023. (Janes/Prathamesh Karle)

Turkey's Havelsan, Roketsan, Kraken Marine, and Asisguard have jointly designed and developed a submersible kamikaze unmanned surface vessel (S-KUSV) named Çaka, which they unveiled for the first time at the 16th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) held from 25 to 28 July in Istanbul.

Kraken Marine, specialised in designing high-speed tactical vessels, is responsible for the construction of the USV; Asisguard is providing the optical systems for navigation; and Havelsan is responsible for developing platform control, command-and-control (C2) integration software, and platform autonomy, Göker Oral, a subject-matter expert at Havelsan, told Janes.

The Çaka S-KUSV is based on a trimaran hull with a streamline design and low profile. The 3.2 tonne vessel has an overall length of 8.5 m and a beam of 3.3 m. The vessel is equipped with an inboard diesel engine for surface manoeuvring. The vessel is also equipped with two water-jets powered by an electric motor. It can attain a maximum surface speed of 60 kt. When submerged, the vessel has an operating depth of around 10 m.

Çaka is equipped with high-impact explosives developed by Roketsan and is designed to target surface combatants. The S-KUSV has a maximum range of 250 km, which can be extended according to customer requirements.

It is equipped with two cameras for navigation and target engagement. The vessel uses its image library for target identification, and the explosion is triggered either via contact with the target or by the operator.