Qatar Emiri Coast Guard showcased its newly acquired ULAQ armed unmanned surface vessel at DIMDEX 2026 in Doha, marking a significant milestone as the Gulf region’s first operational USV deployment. The platform, delivered by Türkiye’s Ares Shipyard in mid-November 2025, represents Qatar’s pioneering move into autonomous maritime capabilities in the region.
At this year’s DIMDEX exhibition, the Qatar Emiri Coast Guard made a strong presence by displaying their actual ULAQ unmanned surface vessel (not a mockup). The display was notably prominent and drew significant attention from international visitors and defense industry professionals.
The Qatari variant features distinctive camouflage livery with the Qatar flag, a departure from the gray naval paint scheme used on the Turkish Navy’s ULAQ platforms. This port security variant is comprehensively equipped with a remote weapon station, synthetic aperture radar, electro-optical systems, and LIDAR sensors, tailored specifically for the Qatar Coast Guard’s operational requirements.
Adding to the display of the vessel, Qatar Coast Guard showcased the full operational control console, the actual hardware used to command the vessel, providing visitors with a complete picture of the USV’s command and control architecture.
Developing Operational Concepts
Speaking with officials at the DIMDEX booth revealed Qatar’s methodical approach to integrating this advanced capability. The Coast Guard received the USV in mid-November and has been working intensively with the system ever since.
“We are exploring the use options of the USV to use it in the most efficient way,” explained one official. “Just like most countries, we are trying to develop a Concept of Operations (CONOPS), but specifically adapted for Coast Guard missions.“
This measured approach reflects Qatar’s plan to procure unmanned systems. Rather than immediately procuring a fleet of unmanned vessels, Qatar deliberately chose to acquire a single platform as a prototype—an operational testbed to explore the technology, identify optimal use cases, and train personnel before committing to larger-scale deployment.
“While Qatar is motivated to use unmanned systems at sea, we wanted to procure a vessel like a prototype to explore the technology, use options, and train personnel to introduce this technology,” the official noted.
The Coast Guard has been conducting extensive operational evaluations, testing the vessel’s capabilities across various mission profiles typical of coast guard operations. This hands-on experience is proving invaluable as they develop doctrine and procedures for unmanned operations in the challenging environment of the Persian Gulf.
Future Fleet Development
Qatar’s vision extends well beyond this single platform. Officials outlined ambitious plans to establish a comprehensive unmanned fleet under Coast Guard command, with USVs eventually fulfilling the majority of routine missions.
“The future plan is to establish an unmanned fleet under coast guard to fulfill most of the missions by utilizing unmanned surface vehicles,” the official stated.
However, this expansion will be data-driven and requirements-based. After completing their operational study of the current ULAQ platform, Qatar Coast Guard will review and refine their requirements before ordering additional USVs in configurations tailored to their specific operational needs.
“After studying on this vessel, we will review our requirements and will order more USVs in configurations they need—which we will define after experiments,” the official explained.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
The delivered platform is a ULAQ 11 ISR/PSV (Port Security Variant), developed jointly by ARES Shipyard and Meteksan Defence. Qatar becomes the first export customer for the ULAQ platform, which Türkiye began developing in 2019.
Key specifications include:
- Length: 11 meters
- Beam: 2.6 meters
- Draft: 0.6 meters
- Propulsion: Twin diesel engines
- Maximum speed: 35 knots
- Range: 400 kilometers
- Endurance: Up to 10 hours at cruising speed
The Qatar Coast Guard’s ULAQ is armed with an Aselsan SARP-DUAL 12.7mm remotely operated weapon system, complemented by naval radar systems, electro-optical/infrared sensors, and encrypted communication systems. The vessel operates through autonomous navigation software developed by Meteksan Defence, with operators maintaining control from a shore-based station.
The platform can conduct missions in autonomous, semi-autonomous, or remote-controlled modes, providing operational flexibility for coastal patrol, surveillance, and interdiction operations in Qatar’s territorial waters.
Qatar’s ULAQ deployment holds significance on multiple levels. As the first operational unmanned surface vehicle in the Gulf region, it positions Qatar as a pioneer in maritime autonomous systems within a strategically vital waterway.
The Persian Gulf’s unique operational environment, which is characterised by high maritime traffic density, complex geopolitical dynamics, and challenging environmental conditions, makes it an ideal proving ground for USV capabilities. Success here could accelerate regional adoption of unmanned maritime systems.
From Türkiye’s perspective, this export represents a remarkable achievement for its defense industry. Developing the ULAQ capability entirely from scratch within five to six years, inducting it into the Turkish Navy’s inventory, and securing an export order in such a compressed timeframe demonstrates exceptional program execution.
The Qatar Coast Guard contract, originally signed during DIMDEX 2024 in October of that year, validates Turkey’s strategic bet on unmanned maritime systems and positions ARES Shipyard and Meteksan Defence for additional export opportunities. Several countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa have reportedly expressed interest in the ULAQ platform family.
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