The Azerbaijani Navy has officially unveiled Turkish-made Salvo unmanned surface vessels (USVs) during recent exercises in the Caspian Sea. Developed by Dearsan Shipyard in cooperation with Aselsan, Roketsan, and Yaltes, the Salvo represents Azerbaijan's first operational combat naval drone.
The appearance of the Salvo coincides with rising regional tensions, particularly deteriorating relations between Baku, Moscow, and Tehran. Interestingly, the Azerbaijani versions were spotted without visible armament and with what appeared to be a modified forward cabin not present in the original design.
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The Salvo USV is 14.79 meters long, 3.83 meters wide, with a draft of 0.75 meters. It can reach 50 knots (92 km/h) and has an operational range of 300 nautical miles (over 555 km). Propulsion is provided by two diesel engines with dual waterjets, supported by an auxiliary diesel generator for onboard systems.
Armament options include a stabilized 12.7 mm remote weapon station and a launcher capable of carrying four L-UMTAS anti-tank missiles or eight Cirit laser-guided rockets (the Turkish equivalent of APKWS).
The vessel is equipped with a compact maritime radar and a retractable mast housing an electro-optical targeting system, extending surveillance range and enabling precision missile guidance.
The Salvo is designed for missions including reconnaissance, surveillance, coastal defense, and strikes on land or sea targets. With Cirit rockets, it could potentially engage airborne threats such as UAVs, though this has not been confirmed.
The acquisition suggests Azerbaijan is beginning to expand its naval unmanned capabilities. If confirmed, the Salvo may be the first step toward a broader USV fleet, possibly including kamikaze naval drones similar to Ukraine's Magura.
Türkiye itself already fields such systems, including the ULAQ KAMA, which is entering service with its navy.
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