At Saha Expo 2026, ASELSAN introduced its next-generation warfare concept through autonomous naval systems, the Kılıç UUV, the Tufan USV, and Çelik Kubbe integration. The company plans to increase its export target to 40%.
At the Saha Expo 2026 defence exhibition, ASELSAN unveiled not only its new products but also a comprehensive vision for the evolving architecture of modern warfare. The company’s presentation focused on a next-generation warfare concept shaped around autonomous platforms, swarm concepts, and integrated attack networks.
The company positions this approach as part of its strategy to both strengthen its role as a systems integrator within Türkiye’s defence electronics ecosystem and expand its export capacity in the global market.
The era of autonomous and swarm concepts in naval warfare
In an assessment given to Defence News, ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol stated that the new systems represent the transition toward network-connected and high-volume solutions required by modern attrition warfare.
In the naval operations domain, this approach took shape through two new autonomous systems.
The first of these was the Tufan Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV). Developed for attack and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) missions, the platform stands out with its high-speed structure and autonomous capabilities. The company positions Tufan as an example of the next-generation “surface kamikaze vehicle” concept.
The second system is the Kılıç Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) family. Developed around long-range and low-signature capabilities, the platform consists of two different variants: Kılıç 10 and Kılıç 200. The system is said to be capable of operating in swarms, carrying a warhead at the level of a lightweight torpedo, and functioning both autonomously and via satellite connectivity.
“Kılıç” and the electronic warfare doctrine
Ahmet Akyol emphasised that the Kılıç family represents an entirely new operational concept, stating that such systems are even changing the terminology of warfare itself.
Swarm capability and low detectability create a different threat profile for these platforms compared to conventional naval defence systems.
Çelik Kubbe architecture and the electronic warfare layer
Another major topic highlighted at Saha Expo 2026 was Türkiye’s integrated air defence approach. The systems were presented under the “Çelik Kubbe” architecture together with layered defence, electronic warfare, and anti-drone solutions.
Within the electronic warfare layer of this structure, ASELSAN introduced the next-generation Koral AD system. The system provides long-range electronic attack capabilities through the ability to detect, deceive, and jam enemy radars.
In addition, a new version of the Ilgar electronic warfare system was also unveiled. This system is positioned as an advanced electronic warfare solution aimed at disrupting communications between aerial assets and ground control centres.
Unmanned aerial platforms and precision strike capability
ASELSAN also displayed sensors, radar systems, and precision-guided munitions developed for unmanned combat aircraft at the exhibition.
The company states that these systems were developed particularly in response to the high-intensity warfare requirements demonstrated by the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East.
2027 target and export strategy
Ahmet Akyol stated that a significant portion of the systems introduced at the exhibition have reached a level of maturity suitable for near-term inventory integration and could be ready for operational use by 2027.
ASELSAN also identifies increasing export revenues as a strategic objective. According to the company’s plan, the share of exports in total revenue is targeted to rise to 40% by 2030. This figure stood at around 11% just a few years ago.
