ASELSAN Launches SMASH 300 Naval Weapon System for Drone Defense

Ender Öztürk

September 19, 2026

Turkish defense giant ASELSAN has officially unveiled the SMASH 300, the latest evolution of its remote-controlled stabilized naval weapon systems, designed to address modern maritime threats. Announced in September 2026, this 25mm caliber system marks a significant technological leap by specifically countering mini and micro-class Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) alongside traditional surface threats. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence and specialized ammunition, the SMASH 300 enhances the defensive capabilities of naval platforms against the increasing prevalence of low-cost drone swarms. The system recently successfully completed its initial firing tests at the Karapınar range in Konya, proving its operational readiness for complex, multi-threat combat environments.

The SMASH Product Family Expands Its Capabilities

Since its inception in 2006, the SMASH series has become a cornerstone of naval defense, capturing approximately 10 percent of the global market share for remote-controlled stabilized weapons. The SMASH 300 represents the fifth major iteration in this lineage, incorporating years of user feedback and lessons learned from modern naval engagements. As drone technology evolves, the necessity for high-precision, close-range defense has become paramount, prompting ASELSAN to refine its sensor and engagement logic to meet these rigorous requirements.

ATOM Ammunition Enhances Air Defense Efficiency

A critical upgrade in the SMASH 300 is the integration of ATOM air-burst ammunition. Unlike traditional rounds that require direct physical impact, this technology allows the projectile to detonate at a pre-programmed distance from the target. This capability is particularly devastating against small, agile UAVs that are otherwise difficult to hit. By utilizing this smart ammunition, the SMASH 300 transforms from a simple surface-to-surface weapon into a versatile close-in weapon system (CIWS) capable of providing a protective umbrella against airborne threats.

Artificial Intelligence Manages Complex Target Environments

The system utilizes sophisticated artificial intelligence to manage target detection and classification. These algorithms allow the SMASH 300 to track multiple objects simultaneously, distinguishing between different types of aerial and surface threats in real-time. The integration with external sensors, such as the AURA Drone Radar, ensures that the system receives accurate situational awareness data. This synergy allows the weapon system to prioritize threats effectively, ensuring that multiple incoming drones are engaged with high precision before they can reach the host vessel.

Firing Tests Demonstrate System Versatility

During the developmental trials held in Konya, the SMASH 300 showcased its dual-role capabilities. The prototype successfully engaged both static land targets and moving aerial drones, demonstrating the effectiveness of the ATOM ammunition against various threat vectors. Furthermore, the system features an increased ammunition capacity, which is vital for sustained engagements in scenarios involving multiple, simultaneous drone attacks. While ASELSAN has kept specific performance metrics like maximum effective range classified for now, the successful completion of these tests suggests that the platform is ready for future integration into the Turkish Navy’s fleet, including vessels like the Ada-class corvettes and the TCG Anadolu.

How do you evaluate the integration of AI and air-burst ammunition into naval weapon systems for countering the growing drone threat? We invite you to share your technical insights or opinions on the potential impact of the SMASH 300 on modern maritime warfare in the comments section below.