HAVELSAN, a software giant of the Turkish defense industry, is attracting the attention of European law enforcement agencies with the autonomous capabilities it has brought to naval platforms. The RAFNAR boats, developed in collaboration with VN Maritime and made fully autonomous with HAVELSAN's advanced mission software, were inspected by a delegation from Italy's long-established law enforcement agency, the Guardia Di Finanza (Italian Financial Police).
Turkey, accelerating its advancements in unmanned maritime vehicle (UMV) technology, is offering global solutions not only in the military field but also in civilian/law enforcement tasks such as border security and combating smuggling. According to a post on HAVELSAN's official social media account, the Italian Guardia Di Finanza, a military-status law enforcement agency responsible for financial crimes, smuggling, and border protection, visited Türkiye to inspect autonomous maritime systems, one of the latest achievements of Turkish engineering.
RAFNAR Body, HAVELSAN Technology
The review focused on the RAFNAR boats, known for their robustness in harsh sea conditions, which originate from Iceland but are manufactured in Türkiye by VN Maritime. However, the key feature that distinguishes these boats from ordinary patrol vessels is the advanced technology integrated by HAVELSAN.
HAVELSAN has contributed the following to these platforms:
- Full Autonomy: The boats are capable of following routes, avoiding obstacles, and patrolling tasks without human intervention.
- Remote Control: The boats can be directed and controlled from a base on the shore or from another vessel.
- Advanced Task Software: Centralized management of sensors used in reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
Close Monitoring by the Italian Delegation
The Guardia Di Finanza is one of Europe's most active naval forces, tackling the intense migrant traffic and smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. This visit by the Italian delegation demonstrates the need for and interest in Turkish-made autonomous systems that can operate 24/7 without putting personnel at risk.
This collaboration potential could open the door for HAVELSAN to export autonomous maritime vehicle software to NATO and EU member countries, following its development of combat management systems such as ADVENT.
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