STM Unveils New UUV “STM NETA 300” at SAHA EXPO 2024
STM, one of Türkiye's foremost defense technology companies, has introduced its latest innovation—the STM NETA 300, an Autonomous Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV), at the SAHA EXPO 2024. This cutting-edge platform is a testament to Türkiye's growing capabilities in indigenous defense technologies, and it marks a significant milestone for STM in the underwater domain.
The unveiling of STM NETA 300 signifies a deeper commitment to Türkiye's Blue Homeland initiative, which emphasizes the protection of the nation's maritime borders and underwater assets. STM, with a proven track record in both surface and underwater defense platforms, aims to meet both military and civilian needs with this highly versatile UUV.
A Technological Marvel: STM NETA 300
At its core, the STM NETA 300 is designed with flexibility, autonomy, and modularity in mind. It's a compact vehicle, weighing between 70 and 85 kilograms depending on configuration, which allows it to be easily transported by just two people. The UUV’s design prioritizes ease of deployment and adaptability for various missions, making it suitable for operations in both shallow and deep waters, reaching depths of up to 300 meters.
The UUV's propulsion system allows for a top speed of 5 knots and enables it to operate autonomously for up to 24 hours on a single battery charge. This endurance is crucial for extended missions, particularly in Mine Countermeasure (MCM) operations, one of its primary roles. STM NETA 300 comes equipped with advanced sonar technologies, including side-scan sonar and synthetic aperture sonar (SAS), which provide high-resolution imaging and wide-area coverage. This technology is essential for detecting and classifying underwater mines, ensuring that the UUV can navigate hazardous zones efficiently.
What sets STM NETA 300 apart is its high degree of autonomy. Once deployed, the vehicle can navigate independently, using pre-programmed mission profiles or real-time commands, to scan, detect, and classify potential threats. This level of automation significantly reduces the risk to human divers and manned vessels.
Expanding Capabilities Beyond Military Use
Although the STM NETA 300 is primarily designed for mine detection, its versatile architecture makes it suitable for a wide range of both military and civilian applications. For military operations, it can conduct surveillance and reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, environmental assessments, and even support explosive ordnance disposal missions. Its side-scan sonar and precision navigation systems allow it to generate highly accurate underwater maps, which is vital for detecting targets and identifying underwater wrecks.
In civilian applications, the STM NETA 300 shines in fields like geophysical surveys, pipeline inspections, and seabed assessments. It can play a key role in environmental monitoring, offshore renewable energy investigations, and marine archaeology. Its ability to work autonomously for long periods without human intervention also makes it ideal for tasks that require precise and prolonged underwater operations.
A Family of UUVs: The Future of STM NETA
The STM NETA 300 is just the beginning. STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz announced that this is the first member of a broader family of unmanned underwater vehicles. The future NETA series will include medium-sized and larger models capable of operating at even greater depths—up to 1000 meters, as in the case of the planned STM NETA 1000, which was also showcased in mockup form at SAHA EXPO. This upcoming model will take on more critical roles, including anti-submarine warfare and deep-water reconnaissance, further enhancing Türkiye's underwater operational capabilities.
Building Export Potential
STM has also emphasized the NETA family’s potential for export. As Türkiye strengthens its defense industry, exporting advanced technologies like the STM NETA to allied and friendly nations becomes increasingly feasible. With its flexible design and robust capabilities, the STM NETA 300 is positioned to meet a wide variety of operational needs beyond Türkiye’s own military, offering a significant contribution to global maritime security.
The unveiling of the STM NETA 300 at SAHA EXPO 2024 represents a bold step for STM and Türkiye's defense sector. With its advanced autonomy, modular design, and ability to perform critical underwater missions, the NETA 300 sets a new standard for unmanned underwater vehicles. As the NETA family grows, STM’s innovative approach will continue to contribute to the security of Türkiye's maritime borders and further expand the country’s influence in the international defense market.
