Anadolu Robotik has unveiled the Arida-T command-control boat to control the previously unveiled Arida-M kamikaze USVs meant to destroy incoming enemy vessels.
Arida-T is proposed as a package of sensors and control units that can be mounted on small boats or containers to form the commanding element of Anadolu Robotik’s defensive USV complex.
The sensors include EO/IR, hydrophone, and radar to track the targets. Data from sensors are relayed to the operators who dictate the engagement of the autonomous Arida-M USV. Hydrophones detect acoustic emissions from enemy vessels, which might be useful in cases where EO/IR and radars have a hard time tracking the small and low USVs.
One interesting aspect of Arida-T is the presence of a large-sized jammer that has an effective range of 30 km aimed at disrupting data links related to control and video feed.
Thus, it can be said that Arida-T is the complementary element in the USV-based defence complex, not only acting as a command element but also as a soft-kill one, thanks to the jammer. The hard-kill role is fulfilled by the previously unveiled Arida-M kamikaze USV with a length of 4.5 m and a maximum speed of 50 knots.
In either one fixed or mobile (boat-mounted) configuration, Arida-T and Arida-M can protect naval bases, important ships, and sea-based facilities.
One might expect Anadolu Robotik to add another USV armed with light weaponry (Machine guns, laser-guided missiles) as a reusable hard-kill solution in the future.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
