HAVELSAN Unveils AVISTA Underwater Autonomy

Turkish defence systems company HAVELSAN has unveiled its new self-funded R&D project, AVISTA. The project was first shown at the TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland 2026 event in Gölcük, according to a company press release.

AVISTA aims to develop national capabilities for precise positioning where GPS is unavailable, three-dimensional underwater mapping, ship hull inspection, and the protection of critical underwater structures. It also targets integrated underwater security capabilities. The initiative responds to the high cost of underwater sensors and procurement restrictions. Its goal is to create cost-effective, readily available sensors and intelligent autonomous algorithms.

The project will establish the technological foundation for capabilities intended for direct use in HAVELSAN’s ÇAKA Submersible Hybrid Unmanned Marine Vehicle (H-UMV).

Platform-Independent Software Architecture

For development and testing, HAVELSAN is using a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) with six degrees of freedom. The AVISTA system is being built with platform-independent algorithms and software architecture. This design is intended to allow future integration into different underwater vehicles. It is also meant to enable coordinated operation with the ADVENT Combat Management System.

Military and Civilian Applications

Currently in the R&D phase, AVISTA is being developed with an integrated underwater positioning system, mapping, hull inspection, and underwater navigation corridor planning. The project's capabilities are expected to support civilian and public security applications. These include underwater search and rescue, forensic investigations, and the inspection of underwater infrastructure and energy facilities. Port and facility security is another potential use.

HAVELSAN’s indigenous algorithms are designed for integration into platforms meant to remain concealed underwater for long periods. These platforms would operate with a low acoustic signature.

Sea trials for AVISTA are planned to begin soon. The developed capabilities will contribute to warfare areas supported by the ADVENT MÜREN Combat Management System. These areas include anti-submarine, anti-surface, mine, and seabed warfare. HAVELSAN aims to have its new underwater technology products and solutions ready for operational use by 2027.

Outreach and Briefings

As part of TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland, HAVELSAN will host a workshop for children focused on unmanned marine vehicles. Children will explore the SANCAR unmanned surface vehicle, learn about AVISTA, and manoeuvre models in a competition. Separately, senior leadership from the Turkish Naval Forces Command and relevant personnel will be briefed on HAVELSAN’s existing and new underwater capabilities during the event.