Türkiye showcases new air-launched guided smart sea-bottom mine at IDEF 2023

One of the world's leading defense industry gatherings, the 16th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2023), which has become a prominent event, will be held in Istanbul from July 25th to 28th. The fair will showcase recent developments in domestic and national technologies. One of the most noteworthy solutions to be exhibited at the fair is the UÇA (The Air-Launched Guided Smart Sea-Bottom Mine). The UÇA Project, initiated by the Machinery and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKEK), Koç Defense, and TÜBİTAK SAGE with their own resources, involves integrating GÖKÇE Winged Guidance Kit (KGK) and intelligent target detection and mine triggering unit into MK-84 type general-purpose bombs, transforming them into offensive naval mines. Among Türkiye's proven national technologies, the GÖKÇE Winged Guidance Kit (KGK) integrated with MK series aircraft bombs transforms into systems that can fly far from the point of release and deliver precise hits to the target. Aircraft and Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (TİHA) equipped with UÇA's aerodynamic features and capabilities will be able to perform long-range offensive mine laying on enemy naval bases and transit routes without risking direct engagement. Developed entirely with domestic and national capabilities, the UÇA is set to become the world's first long-range smart bottom mine in the literature. Carried by inventory air platforms such as F-16, F-4, Bayraktar Akıncı, and Aksungur, capable of deploying MK-84 general-purpose aircraft bombs, the UÇA will be released from high altitudes and high speeds beyond the range of low to medium altitude air defense systems. It will glide to the mine-laying point, enter the sea without being detected by radar thanks to its radar-absorbent coating, and settle precisely on the seabed while avoiding detection by sonars with its acoustic-absorbent coating while waiting for the target ship. UÇA will serve as an effective guided strategic munition with its sensors, capable of detecting and classifying targets based on acoustic, magnetic, and pressure signatures, thereby restricting the operations of enemy ships and submarines, similar to the features of the Malaman target detection and firing system. Equipped with a Submarine Acoustic IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) System, the mine will incorporate pressure, vibration, magnetic anomaly, and acoustic sensors. With its advanced sensor fusion technology, the UÇA will be able to detect and engage target vessels. Furthermore, leveraging the experience and technological expertise gained during the development of the Malaman smart sea-bottom mine, efforts are underway to create a functional munition that addresses different needs. The development process is expected to be completed soon, and the testing phase is targeted to begin within this year.