STM unveiled its TENGİZ armed XLUUV to perform a wide variety of combat and non-combat missions for extended periods during the SAHA EXPO 2026 exhibition.
STM’s TENGİZ marks the opening of the XLUUV era for the Turkish Navy, set to perform a large variety of missions with long endurance and flexibility in payload options.
The mission types for TENGİZ integrated with HAVELSAN’s ADVENT universal combat management system include ASW, seabed patrol, ISR, ASuW, electronic warfare, and mine warfare.
The XLUUV can be fitted into 40 ft ISO containers for carriage and has many options for deployment, including ports, logistics support ships, and LHD/LPD/LST types of naval platforms.
TENGİZ measures 11.2 m in length with a diameter of 1.6 meters, and has a displacement of 17.8 tons.
TENGİZ’s propulsion enables a speed of 8 knots and an endurance spanning 20 days, rivalling a generic AIP submarine in terms of underwater endurance. At 3 knots, TENGİZ can reach as far as 1600 nm, also matching the average AIP submarine, which enables the XLUUV to work as a “loyal submariner” to accompany submarines in use.
Payload-Enabled Multi-Mission Capability
TENGİZ is set to carry various weapon, sensor, and even sub-platform payloads to act as a shooter, scout, or a mothership.
For ASW missions, TENGİZ has the provision to carry either lightweight (324 mm) or heavyweight (533 mm) torpedoes, naval mines, and onboard sensors.
TENGİZ can perform ASuW/Land Attack missions with the capability to fire the ALPAGUT loitering munition with 60 km of range and, quite likely, the AKATA submarine-launched anti-ship missile (Compatible with 533 mm tubes).
On the other hand, TENGİZ can carry and deploy STM’s smaller NETA 300 UUVs to expand its coverage to support ISR and seabed security missions.
For ISR or other supportive missions, TENGİZ is equipped with an integrated mast and electronic warfare systems.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
