UAV glides 200km/h on the waves, taking down targets in an unexpected way

b56cd8fc13ef4260a3628a42add27723-17546250956741622931591-1754625669351-17546256694572108310566.jpg — A company based in Ankara, Türkiye has just launched a new type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that flies close to the sea, capable of operating in harsh conditions. Named TALAY, this autonomous UAV can carry sensors or weapons with a payload of up to 30 kg.

This advanced system flies just 3 meters above the sea, operating stealthily below the detection range of conventional radar. Dubbed the world's first multi-purpose UAV that flies close to the sea, this unmanned system can reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h.

Solid Aero's UAV has an endurance of approximately 3 hours and can operate effectively even in sea level 3 conditions. This advanced system can perform patrol, reconnaissance, attack or transport missions depending on the requirements.

According to TALAY, the world's first multi-purpose UAV capable of operating as an ekranoplan vehicle, which can operate autonomously or be controlled by an operator. An ekranoplan is a type of surface-effect vehicle (GEV) that flies just above the water surface, using aerodynamic phenomena to generate lift.

TALAY is designed to take off and fly over the sea. With its special body design and technical features, TALAY can approach the target silently and quickly. This UAV provides fast and flexible maneuverability.

TALAY’s propulsion system is powered by an electric motor and a Li-Po battery. The UAV’s communication range is up to 200 km. The company claims that the drone is capable of attacking seaports and attacking enemy ships from above. Equipped with folding wings, the system is powered by AI for high precision.

This multi-role Wing Ground Effect (WIG) UAV is optimized for maritime and coastal missions and is relatively compact in size compared to its class, with a wingspan of 3 meters and a length of 2.8 meters. According to reports, the UAV has a low cross-section and can be equipped with optional weapons.

The UAV has a low radar cross-section and a stealth-focused design with a lightweight fuselage, while being able to perform precision missions with advanced data links and pre-loaded coordinates. The system uses a next-generation flight controller with model-based software and is powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

This compact unmanned vehicle is capable of carrying a payload of 30 kg. While this may seem modest, this is not a transport aircraft but a drone platform. For example, it can carry a warhead equivalent to that of conventional small anti-ship missiles such as the “Sea Venom” missile under development.

The missile, developed by MBDA for the French Navy and the Royal Navy, is designed to attack littoral combat ships (50-500 tons) or surface ships of the size of frigates. However, a swarm of such UAVs could in fact pose a very real threat to larger and more powerful warships.

Developed for use in low-altitude operations at sea, the UAV was unveiled in a production-ready model at the International Defense Industry Exhibition (IDEF 2025) in Istanbul. The advanced system was first showcased at the SAHA Exhibition in 2024.