Turkey has successfully test-fired a locally-produced heavyweight torpedo with a warhead from one of its submarines.
The AKYA torpedo was launched from the Turkish Navy’s TCG Preveze attack submarine in the Eastern Mediterranean, hitting and sinking a target from 36,000 feet (10,973 meters).
Developed by Roketsan, the torpedo reaches speeds of up to 45 knots (52 miles/83 kilometers per hour) and a range of 50 kilometers (31 miles).
It is equipped with an active/passive sonar head, internal and external guidance through fiber optic cable, and rudder water guidance that helps it engage targets on the surface.
The Turkish Armed Forces have conducted AKYA tests since 2021 to ensure its flawless implementation in the force’s multiple submarines and arms management systems.
Developing New Capabilities
Turkish Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu explained that newer guided missiles and underwater capabilities will continue to be added to the force’s arsenal of weapons.
“We will soon put into service our Hisar naval national and local guided missile, which we will use against air targets from our ships. Likewise, our national and local mine Malaman will be added to our inventory in a short time,” he said.
The Turkish Navy has recently begun testing its offensive sea capabilities to promote the growth and development of indigenous-made weapons.
In October, it sank a 22-meter long (72 feet) ship using eight unmanned surface vessels and a Bayraktar TB2 drone.