DERİNGÖZ 600 autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle has completed its first diving tests to conduct various missions. DERİNGÖZ 600 is fitted with optical and sonar imaging systems to conduct underwater research, reconnaissance, surveillance, mine detection, pipeline inspection, and base protection. The UUV was exhibited in IDEF’23 alongside ASELSAN’s other underwater systems. UUVs are projected to become a critical component of mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and underwater security fields. The lack of a crew allows for more freedom when approaching risky zones such as minefields, and onboard sensors render the UUVs as remote sensors for the controlling platform.
Underwater security has become a subject with the U.S.-China tensions and the Russo-Ukrainian War. It has been pointed out that the seabed is a highly vulnerable spot because of the lack of surveillance. Critical facilities such as oil rigs also need protection from sabotage, even though they might be protected against surface and air-based threats.
Other companies working on UUVs include STM and Sonitus. STM is currently working on a large UUV design based on its SEAL Delivery Vehicle; Sonitus, focused on unmanned underwater systems, has developed the RAMPUS UUV and the NARVAL series of underwater gliders.
