Turkey’s MKE unveils PIRANA craft for controlling unmanned aircraft

Turkey’s MKE has unveiled an armed variant of the PIRANA unmanned surface craft at Euronaval 2026, designed to control groups of unmanned aircraft carrying warheads and to attack maritime targets, Naval News reports. The publication cites information from the manufacturer. Flank had found no independent confirmation at the time of publication; further information may be added.

Display model carries eight aircraft

According to Naval News, the new PIRANA AUSV has an internal payload bay, while the display model carries eight unspecified tube-launched unmanned aircraft. The configuration shown does not establish that the aircraft have been launched and controlled at sea.

The MKE fact sheet cited by the publication lists a payload of up to 1,000 kg, a range of 400 nautical miles and a speed of more than 35 knots. It does not specify whether these figures can be achieved simultaneously or under what conditions.

According to Naval News, the communications equipment includes radio-frequency, satellite and cellular links — RF, SATCOM and LTE. The roles stated by the manufacturer include controlling groups of unmanned systems, coastal patrol, electronic warfare and communications. Having several communications channels does not in itself establish resistance to jamming.

Command AUSV is distinct from strike KUSV

Naval News distinguishes the new multirole AUSV from the PIRANA KUSV strike variant, for which it lists a 100 kg warhead. That specification should not be attributed to the new variant.

The same publication reports a trial in June 2025 in which operators aboard TCG Anadolu controlled a PIRANA through a communications link provided by a Bayraktar TB3. According to Naval News, the strike KUSV also destroyed a target during the Denizkurdu 2026 exercise in September. These reports concern earlier trials and do not substantiate the AUSV’s claimed functions.

In Flank’s assessment, the key feature of the concept is the separation of tasks: one craft would provide command and communications while other systems carry out the strike. This would distribute functions across several platforms, but would also create dependence on the command node and its communications links. Carrying several aircraft does not establish that they can operate in a coordinated manner.

Sea trials will be decisive

The two Naval News URLs lead to the same article and do not constitute two independent confirmations. It has not yet been established whether the AUSV exists as a completed test prototype, whether it has undergone sea trials, or whether it has been ordered or entered service.

The types of aircraft carried, the number that can be controlled simultaneously and their behaviour under interference or loss of communications will be decisive in assessing its actual capabilities. A demonstration of these functions would provide a more substantial basis for conclusions than the display model and stated specifications.