defense

The Future of Kamikaze IDAs in the Focus of the ULAQ KAMA Project

The Design notes in this article are my function-oriented conclusions related to the physical form of the boat. The Impact notes focus on the impact of the Kamikaze IDA on the target and the methods of this impact. Innovation notes are excluded as they would distract from the focus of the article, which is centered on ULAQ KAMA.

Armed Unmanned Naval Vehicles (UUVs) is an area of development that is being prioritized in order to increase Turkey's effectiveness at sea in the coming decades. Undoubtedly, an important type of Unmanned Maritime Vehicles (UUVs) are the kamikaze ones. Having witnessed the use and effects of kamikaze UUVs since the Ukraine war, it is not possible for the world's navies to remain insensitive to this new weapon system. The Turkish Navy and the Defense and Aviation Industry are not insensitive to this field.

The first Kamikaze IDAs, which have the potential to be both a game-changer and a disruptor, are about to turn into a concrete product with the ULAQ KAMA project, led by METEKSAN Defence and Ares Shipyard. Within the scope of the ULAQ KAMA project, a comprehensive concept document written by METEKSAN Defense Consultant, Rear Admiral Hasan Özyurt, has been shared. First of all, I would like to thank METEKSAN Defence and Mr. Hasan Özyurt for sharing this detailed and successful study with the public. I would like to thank METEKSAN Defence and Mr. Hasan Özyurt for sharing this detailed and successful work with the public. It seems that we have embarked on a path whose military-philosophical ground is not neglected. This movement undoubtedly provides a solid and healthy basis for contemplating the next steps.

I have been working and thinking about IDAs for quite a long time, which is why I felt the need to share some of my ideas and thoughts with you, focusing on the ULAQ KAMA project. Thus, I hope to add value to both the ULAQ KAMA project and the future of other Kamikaze IDA projects. You will read my thoughts on this subject in various notes/compartments.

The design notes contain my function-oriented conclusions in relation to the physical form of the boat. I must say that I have taken a very conservative approach to this and have completely excluded alternative/innovative designs. The impact notes focus on the impact of the Kamikaze IDA on the target and the methods of this impact. Innovation notes are excluded as they would distract from the focus of the article, which is centered on ULAQ KAMA. However, you will find many minor innovations scattered throughout the topics. I have also left the Power Multiplier notes out of the scope of the article for the same reason. I intend to write the ICT notes as a separate article in the future. Happy reading...

Design Note 1: General Evaluation and Ballistic Protection Oriented Structural Design

Kamikaze IDAs have to dock with the enemy ship in order for the warhead to be effective. We can say that the enemy ship will protect itself with all the means at its disposal during this docking process. Let's look at what means and capabilities it can use for self-defense. The first thing that comes to mind is the cannons the ship has and the small arms capacity in its inventory. Whether it is carried out by the main artillery system, the point close air defense system, or the remote-controlled cannon and machine gun stations, if you are within the range of these weapons, you have to anticipate that you will be hit.

In all the images shared of ULAQ KAMA, we observe a structural difference in the upper and lower structure of the boat. In this way, we can foresee that the upper layer will have a certain ballistic protection. The angular design of the superstructure inspires that an approach focused on ricocheting the incoming bullet is prioritized. The superstructure, which rises slightly towards the engine, increases ballistic protection by providing air intake from the rear (or side). On top of the fuselage, there are two optical sensors, one main and a spare one on the nose tip, and a StarLink-like communication antenna. Although different pictures are in circulation and minor design differences (e.g. skirt/side armor) are evident, the above mentioned features are common to all alternative designs.

The ship's personnel also have a wide range of weapons to draw from the inventory. Infantry guns and machine guns are less effective than artillery weapons in overcoming superstructure ballistic protection. However, rocket launchers, grenade launchers, guided ATGM missiles, close-range focused destruction patterns and rockets are another matter.

If we consider the ship with its personnel as a complete weapon system, which personnel or base-oriented weapons can be used against Kamikaze IDAs in the future? Undoubtedly, the choice of navies will be to use existing ATGM platforms first. Then, by prioritizing their cannon-attack capable versions, multi-shot, throw-and-forget, anti-kamikaze weapon families will be developed specifically for naval use.

In addition, as a separate layer of protection, which I have previously mentioned on social media and in various articles, it may be possible to add features and types of ammunition for anti-kamikaze IDAs to self/active defense capabilities.

In addition, it is likely that some poorer countries will also introduce unguided rockets similar to RPGs and AT4s, which will cause little damage to the structural integrity of the ship while affecting the Kamikaze IDA at close range.

Therefore, if we approach the issue from the perspective of Kamikaze ASW, we need to classify the threats according to the distance from the enemy as follows:

1. The types of weapons that can be used at a distance from the enemy, while waiting or cruising, when and where we least expect it (e.g: Long-range enemy missiles such as Spike NLOS / ER2 or loitering munitions).

2. Platform and existing artillery systems (e.g. STAMP, STOP, TRAKON TARGAN, etc.) that will come under the influence when approaching the enemy platform.

3. Weapon and ammunition options to be used at close range (400-500 m) by the ship's personnel (single soldier or team).

4. New types of weapons derived for kamikaze IDAs. (You have read some sample concepts above. As a potential indigenous system, the KARAOK / OMTAS / UMTAS ATGM missile iterations with cannon attack features can be considered).

Which ways and methods can a Kamikaze IDA adopt to counter these systems? Let's look for the answer to this question by focusing on derivatizing the available capabilities in the fastest way possible. In the first place, we can say that we will try dodging maneuvers thanks to its speed and maneuverability. ULAQ KAMA's design seems completely suitable for this. Secondly, Kamikaze IDA's fogging on itself, on its route / route alternatives and on the target will come to mind. No signs of this feature were observed in the prototype designs.

Design Note 2: 'Spurring' in a Modern Interpretation

Looking at the history of naval warfare, among the structural methods of destroying an enemy ship, spurring stands out. This is a ship's attempt to damage its opponent's sides, where it is relatively weak, by ramming its front, which is its strongest structural side, and even try to break its keel if possible. Nowadays, with the use of explosives, we don't see this kind of damage inflicted in warfare. However, it is still a known and used method of damage in friction outside of a war situation.

We see that the sheet material used in the outer structure of military ships is getting thinner and weaker. If we look at it from the point of view of Kamikaze IDAs, this means a penetrable / clingable outer surface. Let's imagine an enemy boat that feels safe and therefore immobilized and unprepared. It is clear that there will be a difference in effect between detonating the 200 kg warhead of the ULAQ KAMA just outside this boat, and penetrating it by quickly spurring it and detonating it there. The current design of our boat seems to be suitable for spurring standing ships. Perhaps with some structural updates, it could be made much more suitable. But what if the enemy ship is moving?

Let's imagine an enemy ship that is moving and ready to attack. When we somehow get within close and relatively vulnerable range of it, we have to think about where and how we are going to explode. What difference does it make to spur a moving ship with a small moving boat? From a physical point of view, given the power to reach the desired interior, it seems unlikely. But let's look at this in a little more detail. Let's imagine a tip with a harpoon. It penetrates the ship and causes the part containing the warhead to move to a desired position parallel to the hull of the enemy boat. We now have a ready-to-explode platform that will be docked and parallel to the hull of the enemy ship within a few seconds. What benefits does this give us?

We can now use scientific methods to create shaped, focused, targeted explosions that can inflict much greater and more extensive damage to the enemy. With the addition of a few simple sensors, we can create a blast that targets the propeller, the engine, the motors of the enemy boat. If we have information about the interior design of the enemy ship, we can also select different areas such as ammunition depots, operational control centers, etc. In addition, harpoon systems will have different benefits when approaching the target.

Design Note 3: Smart Mine or A2/AD Use Alternatives

In METEKSAN Defence's ULAQ KAMA concept article written by Özyurt, the "mine-like" areas of use of the weapon are also mentioned. Undoubtedly, with advanced automation capabilities supported by Artificial Intelligence, such systems can also be used for A2/AD purposes. However, if we take a closer look at this type of use, we realize that a classification is required. First, let's take ULAQ KAMA in its current form.

This platform, which has a low silhouette, high-speed design resembling a speedboat with the use of water jets, is used to be released from ships underway: During a retreat maneuver, we could have a tool to make enemy pursuit more difficult. In such cases, they can even create an A2/AD area above the water, allowing friendly elements to pass and preventing enemy elements. This area has the possibility of mobility, albeit limited, and this is a serious plus.

We can also use ULAQ KAMAs on ships as an auxiliary element to move the enemy to a desired kill zone. These roles and examples (in very high numbers) can be multiplied. However, it is clear that the current design can have a mobility-based capability to serve the warfare strategies of naval forces.

However, when it comes to the denial of a certain sea area from the enemy, it will be inevitable that new designs will be added to this Kamikaze IDA family. In this regard, I would like to remind an example I shared on social media before:

"Imagine a boat form with internal and covered water reservoirs that can make it semi-submerged. Cover the inside of these chambers with rubber. At the inlet, there should be a rubber-coated propulsion mechanism that rotates like a screw, providing dispersion during the water intake phase and limiting the sound. The mechanism and the coating of the reservoir already maximize the silence. This will also create the quietest and most efficient propulsion system with a slow but steady rotation when there is water inside.

The superstructure of the boat should be stealth (low visibility), ballistic protected and water colored. When it is necessary to accelerate, the single water jet should be accelerated, the front hatches of the hopper should be opened and the boat should empty the hopper and close the rear hatches in a short time due to the effect of gravity. This inspires the concept of an A2/AD that can move fast or slow, lurk, move out quickly when it wants to attack, change its position according to the dynamics of the battle, stay on standby for a long time, and most importantly, distinguish friend from foe.

As you can see from this example, if you want to perform fixed or mobile area defense over a wide time span, it makes more sense to add a derivative Kamikaze IDA concept to your family. Therefore, I hope that the ULAQ KAMA system will be enriched with many different versions such as A, B, C, D, etc. in the future.

Impact Note 1: Alternative Warheads

We have a 200 kg warhead that is shared as official information. Let's assume that this is a monolithic explosive block. Its detonation near the enemy ship would undoubtedly cause serious structural damage. The effect of this damage depends a bit on the luck factor. For example, if it is close to the enemy arsenal and can trigger its detonation, the impact will be much greater. However, modern warships designed in isolated compartments will continue to have certain advantages in terms of combating damage.

Let's consider a 4 kg ATGM warhead with a hollow spelling, designed to penetrate the thickest tank armor. Instead of 200 kg of weight, we could carry 50 of them. That means we will have 50 needles of molten copper, powerful enough to pierce a ship. Let's place these warheads at different angles and cover as large an area as possible. We will now have a better chance of detonating the ship's ammunition, igniting its fuel, damaging its electronic systems and disrupting the functioning of its mechanical systems (cannon, missile launcher, etc.). In addition, the simultaneous activation of these 50 warheads would provide a point-blank explosion effect of forty percent of that, although not as much as a monolithic 200 kg.

Let us now shape the 200 kg warhead as a monolith. The effect we expect from a normal warhead is far from damaging the keel of the ship. But let's assume that this warhead we have shaped has a cutting effect at a certain angle. With 200 kg of explosives, you can split the keel of a ship. You can even split it in two if you lay a pit cursive right next to a ship on the slipway.

In the heat of battle, finding the time and means to produce this level of effect is a problem. However, the Kamikaze IDA concept is robotic and lends itself to the use of calculated effect enhancers. Of course, in order to realize this, you have to set your physical distance from the enemy ship, your speed and your position precisely. These settings allow you to correct your helmet in less than a second. This opens up a wide pool of opportunities.

We also saw in the Ukraine war the use of Kamikaze UAVs against fixed installations, especially bridges. Obviously, they were not as successful in this regard as they were against ships. However, special warheads increase the chances of success in missions such as cutting the legs off a bridge or piercing and sinking a dry dock.

Impact Note 2: Kamikaze in a Swarm IDA Rating

We can think of it as a horde of ULAQ KAMAs grouping and operating among themselves, or as ULAQ KAMAs acting in concert with other SIDAs of various types. Let us consider it from the enemy's point of view. You are facing a mixed bunch of SIDA/ISA, what would be your priority? Of course, based on the degree of damage they can inflict on you, you would prioritize Kamikaze IEDs as the targets to be intercepted first. An IED targeting your critical radars and sensors with guided missiles is also a threat. But a Kamikaze IDA is a more lethal and prioritized threat to the entire platform.

These reasons will force you to prioritize an enemy that you are facing in a swarm in order to identify, track and counter them individually. To do this, you need to have sensors in visible light, IR and other light dimensions, radars and electronic support elements that can listen and distinguish enemy radar and communications. Of course, this is difficult for man and easier for machine. It is disadvantageous for the defender and advantageous for the attacker. Most importantly, it is facilitated by very differentiated platforms and made much more difficult by less differentiated platforms and dummy add-ons.

Since our focus is on the ULAQ KAMA, let's look at it from the perspective of this lighter, faster platform with ballistic protection on top. You are physically distinguishable from the rest of the swarm and therefore a prime target. You have designed your upper ballistic structure to be as stealthy as possible, which is a plus. You have made data communication as limited and EW-resistant as possible. This is a realistic expectation that you can gain and mature over time. But do you also have the possibility to emulate? This is something we need to think about. In an area where more than one ULAQ KAMA is on the scene, whether in replay mode or with a unique separate broadcast, the KAMA that can electronically imitate ULAQ SIDA will have a better chance of getting close to the enemy. Especially if the enemy has enriched its threat library. For this purpose, it would be useful to add a spare/optional antenna array to be placed at the rear of the ballistic superstructure, which is closed under normal conditions and can be opened upwards to broadcast at any time.

It should be emphasized again under this heading. ULAQ KAMA and ULAQ SIDA can form a group that together increase each other's sales chances. This group may also have a cost balance that can be described as similar to the high-low component. For this reason, it would be useful to consider a KAMA derivative that is closer in terms of range, sea time, etc. Of course, alternative ways and methods such as KAMAs towed by ULAQ SİDA can also be multiplied. As a result, the presence of Kamikaze IDAs in a SIDA swarm will often increase the probability of SIDA survival.

Impact Note 3: Carrier (Cargo) Kamikaze UCAV Alternatives

We have already mentioned that a Kamikaze IDA with various types of warheads will be an effective and priority target type for the enemy. Undoubtedly, the threat potential it provides plays a major role in this. For this reason, let us design a different iteration of the current ULAK KAMA design, incorporating the product of another defense industry company.

Assume that the lower hull is designed in two parts, rather than a monolithic one. Replace the warhead with a derivative of ORKA, Roketsan's new generation light class torpedo. Let's make the ORKA unguided, with all its smart elements, especially the sonar system, removed. Let's also shorten its range and use the space that such advantages would save by enlarging the warhead. Let this ORKA-carrying KAMA-derived IDA maneuver and approach its target. When the enemy enters the most dangerous and favorable distance of the platform, let the light torpedo drop from underneath it. The enemy will not have time to react, even if its acoustic sensors sound an alarm. In the meantime, his focus will still be on maneuvering to intercept the approaching empty KAMA.

Let's assume that the ORKA torpedo, a less intelligent version it carries, successfully hits the enemy ship. What does this mean in real life? It means that the enemy ship and its personnel would be in shock and unresponsive for at least a few minutes. What can the carrier ULAQ KAMA hull do if it "survived" during this time? I wonder what else this carrier hull can carry besides ORKA...

Also, as you know, special operations forces use grenade derivatives called flasbang granade to lock the enemy's visual and auditory senses. To what extent will a Kamikaze IDA's ability to detonate one or more flasbangs in the terminal phase (like a claymore) to create temporary shock or elation in the human and sensor axes increase its chances of success?

Conclusion

What you have read so far is only a small part of my thoughts (which I do not see any harm in sharing) on Kamikaze SIDAs, written with a focus on ULAQ KAMA. I am delighted that our country has started to develop products in this field under the leadership of two reliable institutions such as METEKSAN Defence and ARES Shipyard. Of course, this process will continue to grow, with or without the horizon of thought I would like to add to the pot. It will be seen that other companies will also start to offer products in this field.

Mr. The METEKSAN Defence ULAQ KAMA concept article, written by Mr. Hasan Özyurt, was the inspiration for this article, as it is a high quality and carefully researched document. In this way, I was able to take a trip into my past horizon of thought and present some of my ideas, for which I would like to thank him. It is my hope that articles like this will ignite the fire of contributions from other disciplines and further mature the products in question.

In addition, all articles and documentation of this kind have a great PR value, both on their own and through social citation and contributions. This value will be a force multiplier for our companies in the field of global marketing thanks to the versions that will be published in different languages. Mr. The work written by Mr. Hasan Özyurt as a retired Rear Admiral, i.e. a professional in his field, provides a great empathy advantage to appeal to active naval personnel in many corners of the world. I see great benefits in the production of similar articles by other companies, with the participation of other disciplines if they wish. Kind regards.