TURNAs-2026 exercise in Antalya showcases unmanned naval systems

The first National Unmanned Naval Systems Exercise-2026 (TURNAs-2026), held in Antalya, tested the performance of national and NATO-compatible unmanned systems in naval operations on its Distinguished Observer Day. The exercise involved 18 ships, 11 aircraft, 1,300 personnel and 41 systems developed by defence industry firms.

Conducted under the command of the Naval Forces Command off the Sarısu Beach in Antalya's Konyaaltı district, the exercise was followed by Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu and Deputy Minister of National Defence Bilal Durdalı. Activities included covert reconnaissance and surveillance, mine detection and destruction, and reconnaissance of an amphibious target area. An FPV drone and a kamikaze unmanned surface vessel were destroyed using the TOLGA close-range air defence system aboard TCG BEYKOZ.

Tatlıoğlu described the exercise as a historic one for the navy and said it provided experience for future naval warfare. He said unmanned systems were used in mine-threatened areas, including mines that drifted to Turkey's coasts from the Black Sea due to the Russia-Ukraine war.