Turkish AKYA Torpedo Success Prompts Pakistan to Seek Procurement and Technology Transfer
ISLAMABAD: Turkey has crossed a major milestone in naval self-reliance by successfully test-firing its indigenously developed AKYA heavyweight torpedo from a submarine with pinpoint accuracy.
The test conducted from the TCG Preveze submarine in the Eastern Mediterranean saw the torpedo destroy a target vessel from 12,000 yards in minutes.
Roketsan developed the AKYA as a fully domestic heavyweight torpedo designed for anti-ship and anti-submarine roles.
It features a maximum range exceeding 50 kilometres and a top speed of over 45 knots according to official specifications.
The torpedo weighs approximately 1,500 kilograms with a length of around seven metres and employs advanced active passive sonar homing plus wake homing guidance.
Fibre optic wire guidance ensures precision even in contested waters while countermeasure capabilities enhance survivability.
Turkish officials described the December 2023 live warhead test as a complete success marking entry into serial production.
The weapon has now replaced older foreign torpedoes in the Turkish Navy inventory boosting operational independence.
Defence analysts call it a game changer for underwater warfare giving Turkey a lethal edge in regional maritime domains.
Serial production contracts signed in early 2024 have already delivered initial batches to Preveze and Gür class submarines.
Turkey aims to arm its entire submarine fleet with the AKYA while exploring exports to strengthen defence industry revenues.
The country reported defence and aviation exports surpassing 10 billion dollars in recent years underscoring its growing global footprint.
Regional media reports now reveal Pakistan is actively evaluating the AKYA torpedo for its own naval modernisation programme.
Defence sources indicate high level discussions between Islamabad and Ankara focus on procurement with full technology transfer included.
Pakistan Navy analysts view the system as ideal for integration with upcoming Hangor class submarines enhancing strike capabilities against surface and sub surface threats.
Bilateral defence ties have deepened through joint projects including the MILGEM corvettes already delivered to Pakistan.
Technology transfer precedents in drones and surface vessels suggest similar arrangements could apply to the AKYA programme.
Such a deal would allow local assembly or co production in Pakistan reducing reliance on Western suppliers.
Experts highlight the AKYA’s 50 kilometre range and 45 knot speed as superior to several legacy systems in Pakistan’s inventory.
Integration would significantly boost the Pakistan Navy’s deterrent posture in the Arabian Sea amid evolving regional dynamics.
Pakistani officials have not commented publicly but sources confirm technical evaluations are underway at naval headquarters.
The potential acquisition aligns with broader efforts to indigenise defence production under the Pakistan Navy’s modernisation vision.
If finalised the move could mark another chapter in Turkey Pakistan strategic partnership spanning submarines surface ships and unmanned systems.
Both nations continue to explore joint ventures that promise long term self reliance and enhanced interoperability.
The AKYA success story therefore extends beyond Turkish waters potentially reshaping submarine warfare capabilities across allied fleets.