MARLIN USV has been demonstrated with the KATFISH synthetic aperture sonar developed by Canadian Kraken Robotics, marking the first international collaboration.
SEFİNE Shipyard and ASELSAN’s MARLIN USV has been fitted with Kraken Robotics’ KATFISH towed synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) and LARS launch/recovery mechanism, which marks the first international collaboration on the USV.
During the test, SAS imagery from the KATFISH towed by MARLIN was recorded.
Previously, KATFISH was integrated on a Royal Navy ARCMIS USV for a similar test.
Kraken Robotics aims to promote the KATFISH sonar through demonstrations on recently introduced USVs due to the interest around the world in acquiring USVs to support mine countermeasures or anti-submarine warfare. MARLIN has been active not only in Turkiye but also in various NATO events. The USV has been demonstrated with a range of other payloads including AREAS-2NC electronic warfare system, KUZGUN KY short-range surface-to-surface missile, ÇAKIR cruise missile is expected to be tested in near future as well.
A Step in Turkish-Canadian Defence Reapproachment?
On the other hand, a Canadian firm’s collaboration with a Turkish USV manufacturer marks an important step in the reapproachment after the period of embargoes from Canada that ended with the lift of the embargo in 2024.
A notable example from this period is the blockage of the sale of MX-15D EO/IR systems used on Bayraktar TB2 in response to Azerbaijan’s use of the armed UAVs in defence against Armenia. Gradually, a substitution was made with ASELFLIR CATS, which has been succeeded by the lighter and better-performing ASELFLIR 500.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
