DATUM, founded in İTÜ, completed the unmanned deep diving function tests for its ÇAMD multi-purpose mini submarine, which was displayed at SAHA EXPO 2026.
DATUM, the new player in Türkiye in the field of submarines with its family of mini submarines, completed a deep diving function test without an onboard crew.
DATUM, based in İstanbul Technical University (İTÜ), also displayed ÇAMD and other submarine types, including the SİNARİT XLUUV, at SAHA EXPO 2026.
ÇAMD is the first Turkish-designed submarine to be built and classified by the Turkish Lloyd. The submarine has been built in cooperation with the SEFİNE Shipyard, which hosted the final assembly. At the same time, other Turkish firms, such as Yakut Kazan (Pressure Hull), FEMSAN (DC Motor), and Eriş Propellers (Propeller), contributed with component manufacturing.
ÇAMD is a 12-meter mini submarine rated for 300+ m of depth and a speed of 10 knots. ÇAMD can be fitted with various sensors and weaponry and has lower acquisition and operation costs compared to full-sized diesel-electric submarines.
The submarine will be utilised as a testbed for Turkish submarine systems, specifically those for the MİLDEN programme. Use of ÇAMD as a testbed will allow the Turkish Navy to keep its combatant submarines on duty, which is a significant gain for operational readiness. The 12-meter mini submarine will lower test bed operation costs as well.
Within the project’s scope, ÇAMD will be integrated with ASELSAN’s [BIST:ASELS] sonars and ROKETSAN’s ORKA lightweight torpedo.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
