Turkey’s state-owned defense company Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE) has unveiled the PİRANA, a kamikaze unmanned surface vessel designed to strike enemy ships and coastal infrastructure at ranges over 230 miles. It can be guided in real time by an overhead drone.
The PİRANA is a maritime loitering munition—a crewless boat that approaches its target and detonates on impact. MKE designed it as an “effective, simple, low-cost” concept, aimed at delivering serious operational impact without expensive or complex platforms.
What PİRANA brings to the fight
Weighing 2,646 pounds (1,200 kgs), the vessel is propelled by a waterjet system capable of exceeding 50 knots (approximately 58 mph) and can operate in sea conditions up to Sea State 4. Its composite hull features a low radar cross-section to reduce detectability during approach.
The warhead is engineered for penetration before detonation. A 33-pound precursor charge breaches the hull first. A 110-pound main charge then detonates inside to maximize damage to internal ship systems, not just the outer structure. Three detonators ensure detonation regardless of the contact angle.
Navigation relies on jam-resistant GNSS, with operation possible via direct remote control or autonomous mode.
MKE confirmed a direct hit on a 3.5-meter target during final testing in 2025, validating its targeting accuracy before unveiling.
The drone-guided drone boat
The most operationally significant feature of the PİRANA is its integration with airborne relay platforms.
In June 2025, trials aboard Turkey’s amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu, a Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle launched from the ship, took control of the PİRANA via datalink, and guided it to its target.
This extended the vessel’s effective command range to 25 miles beyond line of sight. The TB3 served as a relay, enabling operators aboard TCG Anadolu to control the USV through the drone without requiring a direct radio link to the surface.
This air-to-sea command transfer represents a doctrinal advance. It means a single drone carrier, such as TCG Anadolu, can simultaneously operate aerial-strike drones and surface-strike boats, with drones serving as both weapons and command relays.
Swarm designed to overwhelm
MKE integrated swarm coordination into PİRANA’s design. In multi-vessel scenarios, some units act as decoys to draw enemy radar and fire. Others approach from different vectors at a low profile to strike.
This combined speed, low radar signature, and coordinated attacks from multiple angles. As a result, interception by advanced naval air defense systems becomes far more difficult.
The system is now mission-ready and awaits induction into Turkish Navy service. MKE identifies satellite command capability as the next milestone.
This would significantly extend the operational range beyond the current TB3 relay. It would enable strikes at more strategic distances.
The PİRANA joins a growing Turkish maritime unmanned portfolio that includes the ULAQ KAMA, ALBATROS, and ÇAKA — all purpose-built for asymmetric naval strike operations.