Saudi Arabia and Turkey Sign Strategic Deal to Manufacture Unmanned Suicide Boats
Turkish company ULAQ Global Autonomous Systems signed a strategic agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to jointly develop and produce unmanned surface vessels (USVs) within the Kingdom.
The agreement was signed during the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, establishing a comprehensive framework that includes:
▪️Joint design and development
▪️Local production and assembly
▪️Integration of combat systems
▪️Maintenance and technical support within the Kingdom
*Technology transfer and localization of manufacturing*
The agreement stipulates the transfer of technical expertise from the Turkish company to the Saudi state-owned company
SAMI Autonomous Company to support the local assembly of unmanned surface vessels, a move that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s strategy to localize defense industries and enhance naval capabilities before the end of this decade.
This partnership is the first of its kind in this sector within the Kingdom. *Key Products Included in the Cooperation*
The systems to be developed and produced include:
▪️A standard 11-meter armed vessel
▪️A 6-meter KAMA suicide boat
▪️A vessel dedicated to port security and protection
These systems fall under the family of unmanned surface vessels developed by Turkey in recent years, which are characterized by advanced attack and reconnaissance capabilities and the ability to operate within unmanned naval swarms.
*Sustainable Profits and Global Expansion*
Kerem Kalafatoğlu, a member of the ULAQ Global Board of Directors, stated that the agreement represents a strategic step to expand the scope of Turkish and Saudi projects globally.
Anadolu Agency quoted him as saying:
“This initiative will allow us to achieve sustainable profits, and we aim to export ULAQ vessels not only to Saudi Arabia but also to the rest of the world.”
He added that the company is currently working on expanding its presence in Europe and the United States, with new announcements expected soon.
*World Defence Exhibition 2026*
The exhibition witnessed the participation of more than 1,480 exhibitors from 89 countries, including government entities and international defense companies, making it the largest military and security exhibition in the Middle East to date.
The event provided a platform for concluding major deals in the fields of:
▪️Weapons Systems
▪️Warships
▪️Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
▪️Digital Capabilities and Military Artificial Intelligence
*Importance of the Deal*
▪️Strengthening the Turkish-Saudi Defense Alliance
▪️Accelerating the localization of military naval industries in the Kingdom
▪️Saudi Arabia’s entry into the field of attack UAVs domestically
▪️Expanding the Turkish presence in the Gulf defense market
Source: Arab Defence website
