STM NETA 300 Detected Underwater Mines Autonomously

NETA 300 unmanned autonomous underwater vehicle developed by STM autonomously detected and diagnosed mines and mine-like underwater threats in the TURNAs-2026 exercise.

NETA 300 Light Unmanned Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (HOSA), developed by STM Defense Technologies Engineering and Trade Inc., successfully completed its mission of detecting underwater mines in the TURNAs-2026 Unmanned Naval Systems Exercise organized by the Turkish Naval Forces Command.

In the exercise held in Antalya Bay and the Eastern Mediterranean between 19-27 October 2026, NETA 300 autonomously detected and identified mines and mine-like underwater threats on the transfer route. The system supported the navigational safety of maritime elements with the data it obtained.

NETA 300 Autonomously Identifies Mine Threats

NETA 300, which worked within the scope of the exercise, investigated underwater objects using its advanced sonar systems and high-resolution sensors. The vehicle detected mines and mine-like threats on the determined route and contributed to the classification and diagnosis processes.

The main purpose of mine countermeasures missions is to determine the dangers on the route where the naval elements will proceed, without putting personnel and ships at risk. Unmanned underwater vehicles are among the solutions that can reduce the need to send personnel directly to dangerous areas on such missions.

NETA 300's mission in the exercise enabled the vehicle's autonomous navigation and underwater threat detection capabilities to be used within the operational scenario.

It Can Work Up to 24 Hours at a Depth of 300 Meters

According to the technical specifications announced by STM, NETA 300 stands out with its compact and modular design. The vehicle was designed to be carried by two people.

The prominent technical features of the system are as follows:

Maximum mission depth: 300 meters

Duty duration: up to 24 hours

Maximum speed: 5 knots

Design: Compact and modular

Main missions: Mine countermeasures, reconnaissance, surveillance and port defense

The vehicle's ability to operate for up to 24 hours provides flexibility of use in long-term underwater research and scanning of certain areas. Its modular architecture allows the use of equipment suitable for different task needs.

It is planned to enter the Turkish Naval Forces Inventory

It was previously announced that the first domestic sales contract for NETA 300 was signed. The system is among the unmanned platforms developed for the Turkish Naval Forces to be used in mine detection and other underwater missions.

STM's NETA family was designed to be used in civilian maritime areas as well as military use. Exploring the seabed, examining pipelines, inspecting renewable energy facilities and marine archeology are among the potential areas of use of the system.

STM's Other Unmanned Systems Also Took Part in the Exercise

Within the scope of TURNAs-2026, STM's other unmanned systems were also used in different tasks.

While UAV BOYGA, which dropped ammunition, hit its target accurately, spotter UAV TOGAN transmitted real-time images to the command center during the amphibious landing operation. While five KARGU strike UAVs carried out the swarm mission, the fighter UAV TUNGA-X neutralized the representative enemy UAV.

The exercise covered scenarios for the use of unmanned aerial, surface, underwater and land systems together with manned naval elements. According to the statement of the Ministry of National Defense, the main objectives of the exercise include evaluating newly developed unmanned platforms and improving the interoperability of manned-unmanned systems.

NETA 300's mine detection mission provided a practical demonstration of the roles that unmanned underwater vehicles can play in naval operations.