A new era in the Caspian Sea – What do unmanned surface vessels promise?

The use of unmanned systems in Azerbaijan’s defence industry is expanding.

As we reported, on September 6, President Ilham Aliyev was presented with the SALVO and KAYRA unmanned surface vessels jointly produced by Azerbaijan and Türkiye, and their capabilities were demonstrated. What, then, do these innovations promise for Azerbaijan in the military sphere?

Speaking to TodayPress TV on the matter, military expert Adalat Verdiyev said the unmanned surface drones presented to President Ilham Aliyev possess significant combat capabilities.

He noted that the joint production of these drones in Azerbaijan in cooperation with Türkiye’s Dearsan shipyard will enable the country to develop significant human resources and expertise in the field of unmanned surface vessel production.

The expert highlighted the drones’ key specifications:

“The unmanned surface vessels produced in Azerbaijan are highly manoeuvrable and capable of high speeds thanks to their small size and light weight. These characteristics make it possible to conduct effective strikes against enemy naval vessels and warships without posing any risk to the crew.

These drones are also quite cost-effective. Their low price, as well as their production, maintenance and storage, are several times simpler and more economical compared with other warships.

Their small size and low profile make them difficult to detect visually. At the same time, their special coating significantly reduces their radar cross-section.”

He stressed that these vessels are not intended solely for carrying out strikes:

“They are multifunctional and versatile platforms designed to perform various tasks, including maritime reconnaissance, patrol operations, mine clearance and transportation. These drones can also be used to transport other unmanned systems and launch them from greater distances.”

Adalat Verdiyev added that all of this demonstrates that local production of unmanned surface drones and their integration into the Azerbaijani Navy’s arsenal will significantly enhance Azerbaijan’s combat, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in the Caspian Sea.

Jala Rovshan