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Türkiye's Baykar and state-owned defense company MKE have completed a joint test demonstrating the integration of unmanned air and sea platforms from the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu.
In the trial, the Bayraktar TB3 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) acted as a relay platform, enabling real-time communication and target marking for MKE’s PIRANA Kamikaze Unmanned Maritime Vehicle (KUSV).
PIRANA successfully struck its designated target during the test.
The Ministry of National Defense (MoND) shared footage from the test on its official social media channels, noting the test as part of efforts to add a new strike capability to the Turkish Naval Forces.
The test involved TB3 controlling the PIRANA via data link and relaying commands to the unmanned maritime platform. PIRANA, traveling at high speed, hit a target approximately 3 meters wide with direct impact.
According to MKE, PIRANA is equipped with a high-tech warhead and semi-autonomous control systems. It is designed to carry out surface-level strikes by infiltrating enemy ships, ports, and base areas, and it is intended for use in asymmetric naval operations.
"The PIRANA Kamikaze unmanned surface vehicle (USV), which brings a new striking capability to our Naval Forces: direct attacks on enemy ships, infiltration into port and base areas, and support and distraction in maritime operations," the ministry stated.
"In the demonstration, it was observed that the MKE PİRANA Kamikaze USV, with its low radar cross-section, high hit rate, and dynamic and asymmetric maneuvers, significantly enhanced the strength of our navy," the statement added.
The test confirmed PIRANA's low radar cross-section, dynamic maneuverability, and high strike accuracy. Earlier sea surface navigation and collision tests were also successfully completed, and the platform is now considered ready for deployment.
PIRANA is designed for cost-effective maritime assault and is being developed with swarm operation concepts in mind. It can be remotely operated or programmed to autonomously approach and strike a target after detection.
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