At the prestigious IDEF 2025 defence exhibition, Aselsan, Turkey’s top defence electronics firm, made waves by revealing a range of advanced naval systems aimed at boosting maritime security and operational capabilities — from radars and missile launchers to autonomous underwater vehicles and sonar systems.
New Cenk 350N Radar: Eyes Over 250 km
Dominating the Aselsan pavilion was a large naval mast equipped with a fresh addition: the Cenk 350N 2D AESA multifunction radar. Operating in the X-Band, this powerful radar has a reach of over 250 kilometers and is designed for air surveillance and tracking from naval platforms.
-
It features flat-panel antennas that each cover 90°, with four together offering 360° monitoring.
-
Its compact size means even small warships can gain air situational awareness.
-
It’s paired with IDENTIFFY SSR-850 IFF, a NATO-standard identification system.
Together, they form a formidable suite ideal for threat detection and missile guidance, particularly when used in conjunction with point-defense systems like Göksur.
Göksur Missile & Vertical Launch System Revealed
A major highlight was Aselsan's presentation of the Göksur VLS (Vertical Launch System) — built for the Göksur short-range missile, developed by TÜBİTAK. This 15-km-range missile system is set to become the Turkish Navy's key point defense weapon.
-
First test took place successfully on Feb 16, 2025, from the TCG Beykoz.
-
Unlike traditional VLS clusters, Göksur VLS is modular — each launcher is a standalone unit.
-
Can be scattered across a ship depending on space.
-
Fast attack crafts might carry 2 units; frigates could mount 16 or even 32.
-
-
Though vertical firing tests are pending, angled launch tests have been conducted from a former French Navy vessel.
The 20-cell version, with two 10-cell arrays, was also showcased and is proposed for larger ships like frigates, whereas smaller configurations are intended for patrol boats.
Deringöz 100L/300 AUV: Undersea Surveillance Solution
In response to growing threats to underwater infrastructure like gas pipelines and subsea cables, Aselsan introduced the Deringöz 100L/300, a compact autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV).
-
Operates at depths up to 300 meters, with an 8-hour standard endurance (extendable to 24 hours with added batteries).
-
Carries a suite of sensors including:
-
Camera, side-scan sonar, multibeam echosounder
-
Obstacle avoidance sonar, acoustic modem
-
-
Navigation systems include inertial platform, DVL, GNSS, and USBL.
-
Communicates via Wi-Fi, RF, Iridium, and 4G/LTE when surfaced.
-
Use cases: undersea exploration, surveillance, mine detection, and pipeline/cable protection.
Compact Sonar and Submarine Periscope Also Debut
Two more subsea systems also made their first appearance:
-
Düfas 100-CU – A compact towed sonar system:
-
Includes an active sonar fish and passive towed array.
-
Small size makes it ideal for smaller naval vessels.
-
-
Mercan 100 – An advanced optronic periscope for submarines:
-
Designed to not pierce the pressure hull.
-
Provides optical surveillance from above the waterline, improving stealth and safety.
-
Aselsan’s latest naval innovations, unveiled at IDEF 2025, reflect Turkey’s growing ambition in indigenous maritime defence technology. From high-performance radars to smart undersea drones, the company is stepping up to address modern maritime threats — both above and below the surface.
These technologies not only enhance the combat capability of the Turkish Navy but also position Aselsan as a key global player in the naval defense market.
——— End of Article ———
