Azerbaijani Navy Deploys Turkish-Made Salvo USVs in the Caspian
The Azerbaijani Navy officially unveiled Turkish-made Salvo unmanned surface vessels (USVs) during exercises in the Caspian Sea. The Salvo represents Azerbaijan’s first operational combat naval drone.
Features of the Salvo USV
Developed by Dearsan Shipyard in collaboration with Aselsan, Roketsan, and Yaltes, the Salvo measures 14.79 meters in length, 3.83 meters in width, with a 0.75-meter draft. Powered by twin waterjet diesel engines and an auxiliary diesel generator, the vessel can reach speeds of 50 knots (92 km/h) and has a range exceeding 300 nautical miles (over 555 km).
The Salvo USV can be equipped with a stabilized 12.7 mm remote weapon station and a launcher capable of carrying four L-UMTAS anti-tank missiles or eight Cirit laser-guided rockets. It also features compact naval radar and electro-optical targeting systems that enhance missile guidance and surveillance range.
Mission and Operational Use
The Salvo is designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, coastal defense, and strikes against land or naval targets. While unconfirmed, it may also have the capacity to neutralize airborne threats such as drones using Cirit rockets.
Regional Security and Strategic Significance
The introduction of the Salvo indicates that Azerbaijan is expanding its naval drone capabilities. Analysts suggest this USV could be the first step toward building a fleet similar to Ukraine’s Magura kamikaze naval drones.
Turkey also employs similar systems; for example, the ULAQ KAMA is in service with the Turkish Navy. Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey in unmanned naval systems enhances regional maritime defense capabilities.
