Turkish defense innovator Solid AERO has made waves with the public release of test footage for its TALAY unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), purpose-built for littoral and maritime operations. Captured by Anadolu Agency, the footage shows the TALAY skimming just centimeters above the sea surface, leveraging the wing-in-ground effect to maintain ultra-low-altitude flight. This unique design positions TALAY as the world’s first kamikaze drone optimized for sea-surface navigation.
Developed jointly with Yonca Shipyard, the TALAY goes beyond traditional loitering munitions, offering both surveillance and precision strike capabilities in maritime environments. The drone flies at altitudes ranging from 0.3 to 150 meters, carries up to 30 kg of payload, cruises at 200 km/h, and remains airborne for up to three hours. With its foldable wings and composite body, TALAY is easily deployable from coastal platforms. The system is believed to support BLOS (Beyond Line of Sight) communication with a range of up to 300 kilometers.
Silent and Low-Profile to Evade Naval Radar
What sets TALAY apart is its ability to operate just above the sea surface—effectively beneath the radar horizon of most naval systems. Unlike standard kamikaze drones, TALAY approaches targets at low altitudes and then ascends during the final phase to deliver its strike. Early tests confirmed its ability to perform these complex maneuvers. Engineering enhancements have since pushed its free-flight ceiling to 100 meters and improved lift efficiency by 40% through refined aerodynamic surfaces and optimized wing geometry.
Targeted for Naval Inventory by 2027
Initially unveiled in prototype form at SAHA Expo, TALAY has since undergone extensive testing to validate its performance in real maritime conditions. With serial production preparations underway, the first operational units are expected to be delivered to the Turkish Navy in early 2027, following a production start set for October 2026.
A New Chapter in Asymmetric Naval Power
TALAY is poised to shift the balance of naval power—particularly in contested regions like the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Designed for coastal defense, blockade penetration, and anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) missions, the UAV offers a cost-effective and sustainable option due to its lightweight, modular structure and domestic components. Naval forces and port infrastructure will now have to contend with fast, low-flying threats operating below radar coverage.
Global Interest on the Horizon
Although no export agreements have yet been announced, TALAY’s cutting-edge design and mission flexibility are expected to draw attention from other littoral nations. Its stealthy flight profile and modular capabilities may usher in a new era in unmanned naval strike systems.
TALAY stands as a testament to Solid AERO’s bold engineering vision and reflects Türkiye’s rising prominence in the global defense sector. As maritime warfare evolves, this innovative platform has the potential to reshape the very nature of coastal conflict in the years ahead.
