In Mersin, the unmanned maritime vehicle (UMV) named OKHAN, developed by the Turkish defense industry, successfully completed its tests.
Produced by Kayacı Defense, which operates at Mersin Technopark, OKHAN's production began in 2018.
Designed for operations in challenging maritime conditions, the autonomous vehicle passed a series of tests under various sea conditions and times as part of a project with the Coast Guard Command. OKHAN is 11.5 meters long, weighs 7 tons, and has a 390-horsepower engine, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 27 knots. Its range can extend to 350 nautical miles, and it features high maneuverability, performing autonomous obstacle avoidance maneuvers.
Prof. Dr. Caner Özdemir, Kayacı Defense's R&D Director and a faculty member at Mersin University's Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, explained that OKHAN will be used for control, reconnaissance, and surveillance activities in blue waters.
Özdemir highlighted that the vehicle, developed within the Turkish defense industry, utilizes radar, thermal, and night vision cameras, enabling it to make decisions autonomously with AI support.
He mentioned that OKHAN will initially be used by the Coast Guard Command, and after successfully completing all tests coordinated by the Presidency of Defense Industries, it is in the final stages of entering the inventory.
Özdemir also noted that OKHAN can be converted into an armed unmanned maritime vehicle or a kamikaze unmanned maritime vehicle by adding systems as needed. The platform of the vehicle was designed and manufactured in Mersin, with software developed in-house.
. Except for electronic parts and sensors, all systems were locally and nationally developed. He further stated that the project received support from the Governorship, Mersin University, the Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Mersin Tarsus Organized Industrial Zone.
Özdemir also mentioned the interest shown in OKHAN at domestic and international exhibitions, adding that UAVs and UMVs are emerging products worldwide.
He emphasized that research and development in these vehicles is ongoing, with countries in competition, and Türkiye has taken its place in this race.
He is confident that the successes achieved with UAVs will be replicated with UMVs. OKHAN is one of the leading candidates in this field, and discussions with foreign countries are ongoing.
Several countries have shown interest, but Özdemir stated that they aim to first complete the process of integrating OKHAN into the inventory of the Presidency of Defense Industries.
He also highlighted the high export potential of OKHAN.
