Advancing Naval Warfare: Overview of the SANCAR Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle
Ankara, Türkiye – September 15, 2025 – The SANCAR Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle (AUSV), a product of collaborative innovation between HAVELSAN and Yonca Shipyard, has successfully completed live-fire exercises in the Marmara Sea. These trials, attended by representatives from the Turkish Naval Forces Command, confirmed the AUSV’s precision and operational effectiveness using its 12.7 mm Stabilized Weapon System, seamlessly integrated with the ADVENT ROTA and managed through the ADVENT Combat Management System (CMS).
Pioneering Integration in Autonomous Platforms
The SANCAR stands as the first and only Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle to incorporate full integration with the ADVENT CMS, enabling an array of capabilities, including target engagement, mine detection, and the execution of autonomous missions. This significant milestone illustrates HAVELSAN’s capability in synthesizing network-enabled warfare with advanced autonomous technologies, making the SANCAR a reliable platform tailored for contemporary naval operations.
Strategic Adaptability in Uncertain Waters
In the modern maritime landscape, characterized by complexity and unpredictability, navies require platforms that are both agile and versatile. The SANCAR addresses these challenges with its multi-mission design, suitable for a multitude of operations including:
- Base and port security
- Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
- Mine countermeasures
- Search and rescue missions
Its sophisticated array of sensors—encompassing navigation radar, AIS, electro-optical cameras, and sonar—provides real-time situational awareness and enhances decision-making capabilities in high-risk environments.
Enhanced Coordination through Advanced Mission Systems
Central to the functionality of SANCAR is the ADVENT ROTA, a missions-focused system derived from HAVELSAN’s advanced CMS, specifically designed for unmanned platforms. This state-of-the-art architecture enables seamless interoperability within the Turkish Naval Forces’ operational fleet, facilitating coordinated missions that involve both manned and unmanned assets. Proven in various real-world scenarios—such as mission handover, swarm tactics, and coordinated strikes—the SANCAR sets a precedent for the application of network-centric warfare.
Flexible Weapon Systems and Payload Adaptability
The open architecture of the SANCAR allows for swift adjustments to meet diverse mission demands. The platform’s capabilities include:
- Validation of a 12.7 mm remote-controlled weapon system
- Adaptation for guided missile payloads, enhancing deterrence capabilities
- Integration of sonar and mine countermeasure systems to address subsurface threats
Such adaptability not only amplifies the operational utility of the SANCAR but also positions it as an appealing option for allied and partner navies seeking interoperable, cost-efficient maritime solutions.
Resilient Communications and Technical Specifications
The SANCAR is designed with a robust communication framework that ensures consistent command and control through multi-layered, redundant systems utilizing RF Line-of-Sight (LOS), SATCOM, and LTE connectivity. Its GNSS-based navigation and Ship Data Distribution System (GVDS) support the seamless integration of all onboard systems, enhancing reliability during operations.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: Length 12.7 m | Width 3.3 m | Displacement 9 tons
- Propulsion: Dual Diesel Engines paired with dual waterjet propulsion
- Performance: Maximum speed exceeding 40 knots | Endurance of 400 nautical miles at 10 knots
- Operational Capability: Functional up to Sea State 4
- Control Interface: Modular, portable Ground Control Station
The SANCAR as a Force Multiplier
Positioning the SANCAR AUSV as more than just a naval asset, its autonomous features, modular payload capabilities, and secured communications make it a transformative force multiplier for modern naval fleets. Its NATO-compliant architecture and proven operational history grant it a strategic advantage, enhancing personnel safety and providing long-term value. The SANCAR is not merely ready to meet the demands of today’s maritime security challenges; it is also poised to adapt to the evolving threats of tomorrow, reinforcing both national interests and allied commitments in maritime operations.
In an era where naval prowess must balance innovation with adaptability, the SANCAR AUSV represents a significant leap forward in maritime capabilities, contributing to enhanced global naval operations.
