TÜMOSAN stated in its 2024 Activity Report that ARES Shipyards’ ULAQ 35 armed USV to be delivered to the Turkish Navy is using TÜMOSAN’s marine engine.
The activity report might be teasing a new variant in the ULAQ USV family, which currently consists of ULAQ PSV (Port Security), ULAQ 12 (ASW and ASuW variants), and ULAQ 15 ASuW (Armed with four Çakır cruise missiles).
As the end number in the ULAQ family’s designation system corresponds to the hull length (For example, ULAQ 12 measures 12 m), ULAQ 35 might be a larger variant with greater weapons load, more capable sensors, and a longer operational radius with a length of 35 m.
Previously, ARES Shipyards teased different sketches for a large ULAQ variant for ASuW missions, measuring longer than others. The first sketch included a variant armed with four Atmaca anti-ship missiles, searching radar, and a medium-calibre RCWS.
A newer sketch has smaller missiles mounted in forward-facing configuration and the addition of a remotely-operated MANPADS launcher. This new sketch has a smaller profile to reduce detection chances.
As ULAQ reuses some of ARES Shipyards’ existing high-speed boat hull designs, this new variant might use the ARES 110 FAMB or ARES 32 hull design (both of which are purpose-built fast attack craft) if it is indeed a larger variant.
Correction:
TurDef learned that ULAQ 35 is a variant to be delivered to the Turkish Navy, based on the hull of ARES 35 FPB patrol boat in use with the Turkish Coast Guard. The designation was not based on the length of the hull but made as a SSB project.
