SANCAR, the Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle (AUSV) developed by HAVELSAN—one of Türkiye’s leading defense technology companies—has successfully completed acceptance processes following its firing tests. Now ready to serve the nation’s security forces, SANCAR will be delivered to its designated unit.
Providing details on the test campaign, HAVELSAN General Manager Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar remarked, “We are developing our SANCAR AUSV in cooperation with Yonca Shipyard. We successfully conducted its firing tests. The platform hosts five of HAVELSAN’s indigenous solutions. The most important is ADVENT Rota, a command-and-control mission management software that integrates the Turkish Navy’s ADVENT combat management system into autonomous platforms. In addition, our SUBSTAR Ship Data Distribution System (GVDS), the BLUEVISION autonomous navigation system, and the GNSS-KASK precision satellite positioning solution are all deployed on SANCAR.”
Dr. Nacar underlined that SANCAR is not only integrated with ADVENT but can also be operated as a standalone platform: “We have a mature command, control, and mission management capability. Moreover, we can integrate these five indigenous products into other platforms to make them autonomous. In other words, it doesn’t have to be this platform—we’re ready today to autonomize any suitable platform.”
Referring to the recent live-fire activities, Dr. Nacar noted that the 12.7 mm remote-controlled weapon system successfully engaged targets and confirmed that, with acceptance completed, series production will enable more SANCAR units to be delivered to the security forces. Dr. Nacar also emphasized SANCAR’s civil potential in addition to military use, noting that logistics and other non-combat roles can be supported by such vehicles.
Technical Features of SANCAR
SANCAR stands out with its advanced technical suite. Measuring 12.7 meters in length and 3.3 meters in beam with a displacement of 9 tons, the platform uses twin diesel engines with twin waterjets to achieve speeds above 40 knots. It offers a range of 400 nautical miles at 10 knots and is capable of operating in Sea State 4.
Onboard systems include radar, sonar, electro-optical cameras, Automatic Identification System (AIS), 360-degree surveillance cameras, a depth sounder, GPS compass, and GNSS-assisted navigation. COLREG-compliant autonomous navigation enables safe maneuvering in complex maritime environments.
SANCAR supports modular payloads, including a 12.7 mm Remote-Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS), tactical missile systems, and mine countermeasure (MCM) payloads. A mobile ground control station provides rapid deployment and portability, while redundant RF, satellite, and LTE communications ensure continuous, resilient command and control—positioning SANCAR as a strong asset within the inventory.
Next-Generation Capabilities and NATO Standards
With its engagement capability, mine detection proficiency, and autonomous mission functions, SANCAR is the first and only AUSV fully integrated with HAVELSAN’s ADVENT Combat Management System. Distinguished by its role in mine countermeasure operations, SANCAR can deploy from next-generation mine countermeasure vessels and conduct independent missions—offering an important operational advantage.
Ongoing software developments in line with NATO Interoperability Standards will further expand the platform’s potential user base internationally.
New Products on the Way from HAVELSAN
As the first member of HAVELSAN’s unmanned surface vehicle family, SANCAR will be joined by new products addressing both military and civil domains, broadening the company’s portfolio of autonomous maritime solutions.
