Turkish Navy Conducts First Live-fire Tests of AKYA Heavyweight Torpedo

The Turkish Navy conducted its first live firing test of the domestically manufactured AKYA heavyweight torpedo, equipped with a live warhead.

The test took place in the East Mediterranean on December 27.

The launch was carried out from the TCG Preveze (S-353), the leading vessel of the Preveze-class (Type 209/1400) submarine, recently upgraded with the indigenous MÜREN Combat Management System under the "MÜREN PREVEZE" project. The target selected for the exercise was the ex-TCG Gazal (ex-USS Sioux), a Navajo-class fleet tugboat with a long history of service to both the Turkish and U.S. Navies.

Shortly after the launch, the AKYA torpedo sank the designated target. The launch and control operations were executed by the MÜREN combat management system, showcasing the integration of the torpedo with the upgraded submarine system.

With the live test involving an actual warhead, the AKYA Heavyweight Torpedo has now attained initial operational capability (IOC). Previous tests, conducted without warheads, were performed by the TCG Gür in the Sea of Marmara on January 20 and TCG Preveze on March 14, 2023, also in the Sea of Marmara.

Technical specifications of the AKYA Heavyweight Torpedo include a range of 50+ km, a speed of 45+ kts, proximity/impact fuses, and an insensitive warhead with underwater shock effect. Launched through a swim-out mechanism, the torpedo utilizes active/passive sonar head guidance with acoustic countermeasure capability and wake homing. Its propulsion system consists of a brushless DC electrical motor and a counter-rotating propeller system, powered by a high-energy chemical battery.