Turkey’s new 12.7 mm RCWS enters naval service with ULAQ

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

ISTANBUL, TURKEY —  Turkey has officially commissioned the domestic 12.7 mm Remote Controlled Weapon System (RCWS) on the ULAQ armed unmanned surface vessel, significantly enhancing the nation's autonomous naval defense capabilities through advanced artificial intelligence.

The new naval-type RCWS, developed by Best Defence—a subsidiary of Sarsılmaz—was delivered at a ceremony at the Istanbul Shipyard Command attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The system represents a strategic leap in adapting land-based operational experience to the demanding conditions of maritime environments through the ULAQ platform, a joint project between ARES Shipyard and Meteksan Defence.

AI-powered precision targeting

The marine-type RCWS distinguishes itself with artificial intelligence-based target detection, identification, and tracking features. It provides high-precision engagement against sea, land, and air targets, requiring only operator approval to neutralize threats.

To ensure effectiveness in rough waters, the system utilizes advanced stabilization technology that minimizes the effects of sea-induced vibrations and movements. This allows for a high hit rate even when both the naval platform and the target are in simultaneous motion, ensuring reliable defense in dynamic combat scenarios.

High firepower with SAR 127 MT

At the core of the system is the SAR 127 MT machine gun, which has been specifically modified to withstand harsh maritime conditions. The RCWS is designed with an open architecture, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with various combat management systems and be customized according to specific user requirements.

The system features a versatile mounting and cocking mechanism that supports multiple weapon configurations. It boasts a capacity of 500 rounds for 12.7 mm ammunition and 1,000 rounds for 7.62 mm ammunition. Its compact design enables easy integration not only into new vessels but also as an upgrade for existing naval platforms.

Strategic naval integration

Best Defence continues to expand its marine-type RCWS product family through ongoing R&D and field experience. The company aims to provide integrated domestic solutions to increase the operational capacity of Turkey's maritime fleet.

The integration into the ULAQ platform marks a new era for Turkey's unmanned naval systems, combining autonomous navigation with high-precision, remote-controlled firepower. According to Anadolu Agency, the project is a testament to the growing collaboration between Turkey's public and private sectors in achieving defense self-sufficiency.

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