Marlin USV demonstrates mine-laying capability

Sefine's SISAM research centre tested a Malaman naval mine deployment from a Marlin USV in August 2026. (Sefine shipyard)

The Marlin armed unmanned surface vehicle (USV) carried out a trial deployment of the domestically developed Malaman naval mine in August 2026, according Sefine Shipyard's Unmanned Systems Research Center (SİSAM), Koç Defence, the developer of the Malaman mine, and Türkiye's Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB).

The parties designed and manufactured the mine-laying system, and autonomous and remote-controlled mine-laying algorithms were developed. According to the statement, the work took approximately 12 months and was carried out to a concept defined by Turkish Naval Forces operational requirements.

The parties designed and manufactured the mine-laying system, and autonomous and remote-controlled mine-laying algorithms were developed. According to Sefine's SİSAM, the work took approximately 12 months and was carried out to a concept defined by Turkish Naval Forces operational requirements.

The tests were conducted near Erdek Naval Base, where the Turkish Navy's mine countermeasure forces are located. According to the statement, verification and testing activities were completed at Sefine Shipyard, using a training-purpose Malaman mine. The Marlin USV carried out the mine-laying mission in both autonomous and remote-controlled modes.

Marlin is a family of USVs jointly developed by Sefine Shipyard and Aselsan. It is designed to undertake a range of maritime surveillance and security missions. The first Marlin USV was commissioned into the Turkish Navy on 19 January 2024, designated TCB 1101. The monohull version of Marlin which was used in this demonstration is 15 m long and 3.85 m wide. It has a displacement of 21 tonnes and can carry a 4,000 kg payload.