ISLAMABAD: Defence analysts are closely monitoring reports that PakistanNavy is considering acquisition of Türkiye’s state-of-the-art AKYAheavyweight torpedo, a next-generation weapon designed to revolutioniseunderwater warfare. Developed by Roketsan, the AKYA promises enhancedlethality against both submarines and surface vessels, raising questionsabout its potential integration into Pakistan’s fleet amid regionalmaritime tensions. This interest stems from deepening Turkey-Pakistandefence ties, which have already seen major projects like MILGEM corvettes.The torpedo’s advanced features could significantly alter naval balance inthe Arabian Sea, creating suspense over whether Islamabad will formalisethe deal soon.
The AKYA torpedo, fully indigenous to Türkiye, represents a majorachievement in Roketsan’s efforts since 2009 to produce a high-performanceheavyweight system. With a standard NATO diameter of 533mm, it weighsapproximately 1200-1500 kg depending on configurations and measures around7 metres in length. Powered by a brushless DC electric motor drivingcounter-rotating propellers, it achieves speeds exceeding 45 knots whilemaintaining a remarkable operational range of over 50 kilometres. Suchspecifications place it among the most capable submarine-launched torpedoesglobally, enabling engagements at distances that outmatch many legacysystems in service worldwide.
Guidance technologies incorporated into the AKYA provide exceptionalversatility and resilience. It supports fibre-optic wire guidance foroperator control, alongside fully autonomous modes using active and passivesonar homing heads equipped with acoustic counter-countermeasurecapabilities. For surface targets, wake homing guidance allows precisetracking of ship wakes, enhancing hit probability even in clutteredenvironments. These features enable Man-in-the-Loop (MITL) operations,fire-and-forget launches, loiter and ambush tactics, making the torpedohighly adaptable to complex combat scenarios.
The warhead design further amplifies its destructive potential. Equippedwith a tandem shock high-explosive payload weighing around 350-380 kg, theAKYA delivers devastating underwater impact through insensitive munitionsthat ensure safety during handling while maximising shockwave effects ontarget hulls. This combination of heavy payload and advanced detonationmechanisms is engineered to neutralise heavily armoured submarines andlarge surface combatants effectively, positioning the weapon as a credibledeterrent in contested waters.
Türkiye has progressed rapidly with the AKYA program, achieving initialoperational capability in late 2023 following successful live-warhead testsfrom Type 209 submarines. Serial production began in early 2024, withdeliveries to the Turkish Navy commencing in May 2024 for integration intoGür, Preveze and Reis-class submarines. The system’s maturation reflectsTürkiye’s push for defence self-reliance, reducing dependence on foreignsuppliers and fostering export potential to allied nations seeking modernnaval upgrades.
Pakistan’s strategic interest in the AKYA aligns with broaderTurkey-Pakistan defence cooperation, which has intensified through jointventures and technology transfers. Recent commissions of MILGEM-classcorvettes like PNS Khaibar in December 2025, equipped with Aselsan systems,underscore this partnership. While no official confirmation exists on AKYAprocurement, defence circles speculate that the torpedo could equip futureplatforms or upgraded Agosta 90B submarines, enhancing anti-surface andanti-submarine capabilities against regional threats.
Experts suggest that acquiring the AKYA would provide Pakistan Navy with aqualitative edge in underwater warfare, particularly in scenarios requiringlong-range precision strikes. The torpedo’s anti-countermeasure algorithmsand multi-mode guidance reduce vulnerability to electronic jamming anddecoys, critical factors in high-intensity naval conflicts. Thisdevelopment could prompt a reevaluation of force postures in the IndianOcean, where submarine operations play a pivotal role.
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The potential deal also highlights shifting dynamics in global armsmarkets, where emerging powers like Türkiye offer competitive,high-technology alternatives to traditional suppliers. For Pakistan,diversifying procurement sources mitigates risks associated with sanctionsor supply disruptions, while gaining access to cutting-edge systemsstrengthens deterrence. As discussions reportedly continue, the AKYA’sentry into Pakistan’s arsenal remains a subject of keen anticipation amongstrategic observers.
Source:https://www.roketsan.com.tr/en/products/akya-next-generation-heavy-class-torpedo
Tags: Türkiye, Pakistan, Roketsan, AKYA torpedo, Pakistan Navy
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