Türkiye Aselsan Develops New Naval Air Defense and Unmanned Attack Vessels for Modern Naval Warfare.

Türkiye’s ASELSAN is expanding its naval defense portfolio with the containerized GÖKDENİZ gun and GÖKSUR VLS missile systems, designed to bring independently powered air defense to civilian vessels and other critical assets. Presented at EURONAVAL 2026 in Paris, the company’s latest developments also include the TUFAN unmanned surface vessel, KILIÇ autonomous underwater systems, AI-assisted naval weapons, and submarine surveillance technologies.

ASELSAN showcases its latest Turkish-made naval defense technologies at EURONAVAL 2026 in Paris, including deployable air defense systems, unmanned attack vessels and advanced maritime sensors. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The central development is a change in how ASELSAN’s defensive systems can be installed and employed. The deployable GÖKDENİZ configuration packages close-in protection in a self-contained, container-based installation. According to ASELSAN, it incorporates its own power supply and operator environment, allowing it to operate independently of the host vessel and be removed for redeployment elsewhere.

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The company identifies commercial ships and oil tankers operating through strategically important and challenging waterways as potential applications. This approach could broaden access to defensive equipment by reducing dependence on permanent shipboard integration. However, ASELSAN has not identified a customer, a completed installation aboard a commercial vessel or a deployment schedule in the supplied announcement.

Explore the latest Turkish-made naval weapons and unmanned attack vessels from ASELSAN at EURONAVAL 2026 in Paris. (Video source: Army Recognition Group)

Containerized GÖKDENİZ and GÖKSUR Broaden Naval Protection Options

ASELSAN describes GÖKDENİZ as a naval development of its KORKUT air defense system. The new configuration turns its close-in defense capability into a deployable package, extending the company’s product development beyond conventional shipboard installations. Its operational attraction is the ability to move protection between assets as requirements change, although installation suitability would still depend on the receiving vessel and its operating conditions.

The containerized GÖKSUR VLS provides a missile-based point defense option. Designed for land and naval applications, the system comprises a Fire Control Center container and a separate launcher container. ASELSAN says the configuration incorporates its own sensors, launchers and built-in generators, supporting independent operation without permanent installation on the host platform.

These developments address a practical challenge in maritime protection: installing defensive capabilities where they are needed. Packaging power, control and weapon components into deployable modules could expand the range of assets that can receive protection. The announcement, however, provides no engagement ranges, missile capacity, installation timelines, or qualification results for the containerized configurations. Their intended operational role is therefore clearer than their demonstrated performance.

For ASELSAN, the development also creates opportunities to offer naval defense equipment beyond purpose-built combat ships. The company explicitly includes civilian vessels and critical assets among the intended applications, making flexible installation a central feature of the product offering.

TUFAN Unmanned Surface Vessel Expands Autonomous Maritime Portfolio

ASELSAN is also developing its unmanned maritime portfolio through the TUFAN one-way attack unmanned surface vessel and the KILIÇ family of one-way attack autonomous underwater vehicles. Together, these systems extend the company’s attack capabilities across surface and subsurface operations. The announcement does not disclose their endurance, payloads, guidance arrangements, or development milestones, leaving their operational availability unspecified.

Another highlighted development is SMASH 30, a remotely controlled stabilized naval gun system. ASELSAN says it combines AI-assisted target detection, classification and tracking with advanced electro-optical capabilities and ATOM 30 programmable ammunition. The company positions the system against asymmetric surface threats and emerging aerial threats.

This combination is intended to support the progression from detecting a potential threat to tracking and engaging it. However, the announcement does not provide firing-trial results or identify the aerial targets against which SMASH 30 has demonstrated effectiveness. Its advertised capabilities should therefore be distinguished from verified engagement performance.

ASELSAN’s sensing portfolio includes MERCAN 100, a submarine optronic mast designed for electro-optical reconnaissance and surveillance, alongside AINEO BOX, an AI-powered image-processing solution. According to the company, AINEO BOX enhances electro-optical systems through real-time image processing and automated target detection, classification, and tracking.

ASELSAN President and CEO Ahmet Akyol linked these developments to urgent maritime protection requirements and the growing role of unmanned capabilities. He also outlined the company’s intention to apply its experience in adapting unmanned aerial vehicle payload technologies to naval requirements. Customer selections, qualification results, and confirmed deliveries will provide the next measures of progress for the products presented at EURONAVAL.

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Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.