STM has officially signed a contract with the Turkish Navy for its indigenous Unmanned Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (UAUV), the NETA 300. Initially teased in April, the NETA 300 is designed for mine countermeasure (MCM) operations and has now been formally introduced with detailed specifications.

Mine Countermeasure Missions with Advanced Capabilities

The STM NETA 300 is engineered for Mine Countermeasure (MCM) missions, representing Türkiye’s step forward in unmanned naval technology. Developed under STM’s Unmanned Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Project, NETA 300 is built to autonomously detect and classify underwater mines in high-risk zones.

STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz shared insights on the project:
We recently launched the sea trials of STM NETA 300, which we were able to introduce to the high seas after combining our capabilities in naval engineering, autonomous platforms, and command and control systems. Following the pool tests, we put the platform’s sensors, cameras, and autonomous navigation systems through their paces during the sea trials phase and can now proceed to testing system performance.”

The NETA 300, first showcased during the SAHA EXPO Exhibition on October 22, 2024, successfully completed its pool and initial sea trials in the Mediterranean Sea with notable results.

Specifications and Operational Range

Maximum Speed: 5 knots
Operational Duration: Up to 24 hours on a single battery charge
Maximum Depth: 300 metres
Weight Range: 70 kg to 85 kg, depending on configuration
The NETA 300 offers real-time detection and classification of mines and mine-like objects using side-scan and gap-filling sonar technologies, providing unrivalled accuracy in its class. The use of Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) further improves scanning capacity by enabling broader coverage and high-resolution images.

Future Plans and Larger Variants

STM is set to expand the NETA family with medium- and large-class UAUVs aimed at deeper and more complex underwater missions. “We believe that the STM NETA family will enhance the deterrent effect of our country in the Blue Homeland and make a tremendous impression in the international arena,” said Güleryüz.

Military and Civilian Applications

Not only for military usage, the STM NETA 300’s modular architecture lets it carry out several civilian activities like seabed surveys, environmental evaluations, and offshore renewable energy inspections. Its flexibility makes it a great tool for civilian marine activities as well as military intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance (ISR).

Author: Özgür Ekşi