Turkey Advances Kamikaze Maritime Drone Program with 104 Units Planned

Turkey is set to procure 104 kamikaze maritime drones for its navy, with production shared among Aselsan, STM, and Havelsan. The Defense Industry Executive Committee approved the plan in February 2026, aiming for operational capabilities by 2027. Aselsan will produce 40 Tufan drones, while STM and Havelsan will each deliver 32 units. The Tufan drone measures 8.5 meters and can carry a 250 kg payload, while the Yaktu drone is 5.8 meters long. Both systems are designed for strike missions against maritime and coastal targets. The operational doctrine envisions deploying these drones in swarms of four, although this number may be insufficient for larger targets. The program builds on previous Turkish drone developments and is expected to enhance Turkey's naval capabilities significantly.

Key Points: • Turkey plans to procure 104 kamikaze maritime drones for its navy. • Production is divided among Aselsan, STM, and Havelsan, with deliveries starting in 2027. • The drones are designed for swarm operations, enhancing Turkey's strike capabilities at sea.