Türkiye’s FNSS unveiled its U-MAV Multi-Purpose Modular Unmanned Amphibious Vehicle (U-MAV) at TEKNOFEST Mavi Vatan 2026 held at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard Command in Kocaeli from 20 to 23 August 2026. U-MAV is designed to support amphibious assault operations by providing an autonomous first wave that can suppress and clear the landing beaches for follow-on assault forces. The U-MAV will also support continued operations ashore.
Developed by FNSS, it can be configured in a range of mission variants to support various tasks and phases of operations. Interchangeable mission payload modules enable this flexibility on the base platform. Modules can be swapped in the field in about 40 minutes. Ten mission modules are currently offered: Fire Support, Mine Clearance, Combat Engineering, Electronic Warfare (EW), Reconnaissance (RECCE), Deception, Counter-Drone, Navigation and Obstacle Marking, Logistics Support, and Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC). By using a common platform, support, maintenance and logistics are reduced while maintaining high operational readiness.
U-MAV has a combat weight of 8tonnes with a ship-to-shore swim speed of 7 knots and a road speed of 70 km/h. Its combined 300-horsepower (hp) powerpack provides a substantial power-to-weight ratio of 37.5 hp/tonne. Its 4X4 independent suspension system provides high manoeuvrability. U-MAV can operate either in autonomous, remote-controlled, or hybrid mode. It uses an encrypted mesh network infrastructure, GNSS/INS navigation system, and IFF identification. The control communications range is 3 km in line-of-sight (LOS), extendable via UAV relay. Operators remaining aboard ship throughout the mission reduces the risk of casualties to zero compared to traditional vanguard force elements. If the datalink is interrupted, it transitions to a safe hold state; it then either automatically returns to base via a pre-programmed route or continues the task.
U-MAV has AI-enabled image processing architecture that analyses camera feeds in real time on the vehicle’s onboard mission computer, transmitting detection data, thus reserving low-latency target awareness in communications-degraded environments. Automatic target detection and fire control systems accelerate the engagement cycle by presenting priority targets to the operator, while tracking and recording detected targets.
U-MAV is the first unmanned vehicle to integrate Armor Integrity, Nurol Teknoloji’s structural integrity monitoring system, into its digital backbone. The system’s sensors detect an impact’s location, direction and severity in real time. It then calculates the affected area’s remaining structural capacity, tracks accumulating latent damage, and transmits a status to the operator. It offers the commander options such as manoeuvring to protect the area, taking cover, continuing the mission or taking a passive role.
by Stephen W. Miller
