The Ministry of National Defense shared a new test image of the kamikaze unmanned marine vehicle PİRANA developed by Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi AŞ. The striking element in the test was that the vehicle was controlled by Bayraktar TB3, which took off from TCG ANADOLU, and directed to the target.
PİRANA kamikaze unmanned marine vehicle showed itself
In the test scenario, Bayraktar TB3 managed the PİRANA Kamikaze Unmanned Marine Vehicle (KİDA) via the data link. Locking onto the target, PİRANA hit the specified point with full accuracy and destroyed the target. Thus, the Turkish defense industry demonstrated a new capability in the field where unmanned air and sea vehicles can work in an integrated manner.
PİRANA, which entered the Naval Forces inventory and was defined as a new striking element, has a multi-purpose mission capacity. It can be used in various scenarios such as direct attack on enemy ships, infiltration of port and base areas, distraction and support in naval operations. Low radar visibility, dynamic maneuverability and high hit percentage stood out in the test.
PIRANA was developed as a low-cost and effective solution suitable for asymmetric warfare conditions. The system can be directed by operator control and can also operate in autonomous mode. It has the ability to neutralize its target by exploding upon impact after detecting it.
The technical features of the vehicle include a maximum speed of over 50 knots, a range exceeding 200 knots, a displacement of 1,200 kg, and a high-explosive warhead weighing 65 kg in total. The explosive system includes a 15 kg pre-piercing structure along with a 50 kg main head. The vehicle, powered by a diesel engine with a water jet propulsion system, can operate up to sea level 4.
The shared test footage reveals the point Turkey has reached in the field of integrated operation of unmanned platforms. With PIRANA, both a new attack capability has been gained for naval power and new operational concepts based on UAV-IDA cooperation have been concretely tested.
