ASHGABAT — During the 35th Independence Day Military Parade in Ashgabat, the State Border Service and National Navy of Turkmenistan officially showcased Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Katana Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) alongside the KATA:NA PLUS mobile remote control station. Designed by IAI’s Systems, Missiles & Space Group, the Katana USVs provide the Turkmen Navy with autonomous and remote-controlled maritime domain awareness, exclusive economic zone (EEZ) protection, and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities across the Caspian Sea basin.
Built with a modular, dual-mode hull architecture, the Katana USV can operate completely autonomously, under real-time line-of-sight (LOS) or SATCOM remote control via the KATA:NA PLUS command unit, or as a manned fast patrol boat. The platform incorporates advanced collision-avoidance algorithms, a stabilized electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite, surface search radar, and a remote weapon station (RWS). Its twin 560 HP marine diesel engines drive the 6.5-ton vessel to speeds up to 60 knots, providing rapid response capabilities against asymmetrical maritime threats, critical oil/gas infrastructure intrusion, and territorial waters incursions.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES (IAI) KATANA USV
* System Classification: Multi-Role Armed Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) / Fast Patrol Craft
* Prime Developer & Manufacturer: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI / MLM Division)
* Primary Operator: Turkmenistan National Navy & State Border Service (Caspian Sea Fleet)
* Core Operational Roles: EEZ Patrol, Critical Infrastructure Defense (Oil/Gas Platforms), ASuW, ISR, and Harbor Security
* Dimensional & Weight Envelope:
* Overall Length (LOA): 11.90 meters (39 ft)
* Beam (Width): 2.81 meters (9.2 ft)
* Maximum Displacement Weight: 6,500 kg (6.5 metric tons)
* Maximum Payload Capacity: 2,200 kg
* Propulsion Architecture & Performance Parameters:
* Powerplant: 2x 560 HP high-performance marine diesel engines
* Maximum Speed: 60 knots (~111 km/h) | Cruising Speed: 30 knots
* Operational Range & Endurance: 350 nautical miles (NM)
* Armament, C2 & Sensor Suite:
* Weaponry: Remote Weapon Station (RWS) equipped with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun & integrated EO/IR targeting sight
* Sensors: High-resolution surface search radar, AIS, stabilized day/thermal camera payload, laser rangefinder (LRF), and optional sonar/LIDAR integration
* Command & Control (C2): KATA:NA PLUS mobile remote control station featuring secure dual-band RF datalinks, SATCOM, and autonomous waypoint/obstacle avoidance algorithms
