Turkish unmanned kamikaze boat MKE Pirana
The first version of the Pirana BEC with separate placement of the OES and antenna devices
In recent years, the field of unmanned boats, including disposable strike systems, has been rapidly developing. The Turkish company Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE) decided to jump on the bandwagon and developed its own version of such a system. Its kamikaze boat is called Pirana. This product is marketed as a simple, inexpensive, and effective means for engaging enemy surface or shore targets.
Current trends
In 2022-23, the first instances of unmanned kamikaze boats being used in the Black Sea took place. MKE apparently saw these events as the emergence of a new trend in military technology, as well as a potential profit opportunity. During the same period, it began developing its own strike unmanned boat.
The new project was named Pirana. The main design work was completed no later than 2023-24, and the boat soon began trials. The vessel's speed and maneuverability were demonstrated at a naval range. Targeting, simulating an enemy surface or coastal target, was also practiced.
At this point, the developer company revealed the existence of the new project. Subsequently, it was published repeatedly. news about the progress of work and testing. Furthermore, the Piranha was shown at specialized exhibitions, albeit in a closed section of the exhibit.
In 2024-25, the new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) began participating in naval exercises. During these exercises, the Pirana demonstrated its performance, ability to penetrate targets, and simulated direct hits. Representatives of foreign navies attended some of these exercises.
Piranha with a single mast for all instruments
It is reported that all work on the Pirana boat has been completed. It is ready for serial production and subsequent shipment to the customer. However, no information on contracts for this type of equipment has yet been received. BEK has not yet been able to attract interest even from Turkey's own shipyard. fleetHowever, recent events may contribute to purchasing decisions.
Technical features
MKE set itself the goal of developing a modern, single-use strike unmanned combat vessel capable of attacking surface and coastal targets. The plan was to make the craft as simple and inexpensive as possible, while also achieving the best possible performance. It is believed these goals have been achieved.
The boat is built on a traditional hull, made of plastic or composite. The top of the hull is covered by a curved panel containing space for various equipment, access hatches, and other components. The overall length of the BEK is 5,5 meters with a width of 1,6 meters. The maximum height, including equipment on the "deck," is 1,5 meters. The displacement is set at 1450 kg.
The propulsion system includes a diesel engine of unspecified power and a waterjet propulsion system. These enable the unmanned vessel to reach a cruising speed of 20 knots and a maximum speed of 40 knots. Its cruising range exceeds 200 nautical miles (370 km). It can operate at sea in sea state up to 4.
The Piranha has a typical onboard electronics suite for modern unmanned aerial vehicles. The hull houses an optical-electronic station, a mast with antennas, and other components. Several configuration options are possible. For example, the optical-electronic station could be located directly on the hull roof or on the mast.
In addition, the boat is equipped with a fully functional computer, navigation, and communications equipment. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can be fully controlled by an operator from the control station. An automatic driving and navigation mode is also available, following a preset route. Regardless of the target approach mode, the selection of the target for attack and subsequent procedures are performed solely by a human.
The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can use direct radio communication with the control station or operate via a repeater. For example, in mid-2025, during testing, repeater equipment was installed on the Bayraktar TB3 heavy UAV. This communication arrangement significantly increased the combat radius of the entire system.
The Pirana's payload is 100 kg. The hull's volume can accommodate various warheads. The first option is a tandem high-explosive warhead. It has a 15 kg leading charge and a 50 kg main charge. The first charge is designed to breach the target's hull upon impact, while the second causes the bulk of the damage.
Detonation is accomplished using three contact fuses mounted on the boat's bow. This arrangement is claimed to ensure a guaranteed detonation upon any impact with the target.
The Pirana unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is quite large and heavy, limiting its basing and deployment capabilities. It is planned to use this type of equipment primarily from shore. However, the possibility of mounting it on ships or carriers is not ruled out; however, this would require loading equipment.
Special qualities
The concept of an unmanned kamikaze boat is not new. Various organizations and companies from various countries have already unveiled a wide range of such vehicles. These unmanned boats vary in size, weight, design features, and combat capabilities. From this perspective, the Turkish Pirana is simply the latest example of its kind.
However, MKE incorporated several ideas and solutions into its design aimed at improving the boat's various characteristics and capabilities. This was expected to attract the interest of the Turkish Navy and give the Piranha a competitive advantage in the international market.
The advantages of the Pirana boat include its relative simplicity and low cost of production. Furthermore, operating such equipment should not present any significant difficulties. However, any modern unmanned boat, especially those in mass production, is not particularly complex and/or expensive.
The developer also highlights the onboard electronics suite, which offers multiple operating modes. It enables route navigation, target acquisition, and guidance. It also claims to have an autopilot and is resistant to satellite navigation interference. In this regard, the Piranha is no different from other unmanned aerial vehicles.
The proposed warhead design is interesting. The tandem configuration should enhance the effect on the target. The special arrangement of multiple fuses increases the probability of successful detonation, regardless of various factors. However, not every surface target can be destroyed or even significantly damaged with a 15- or 50-kg warhead.
MKE reports the possibility of using BEC with drone- a repeater. In this case, the operational capabilities of the system could be improved. Furthermore, the creation of more complex reconnaissance and strike systems, including several UAVs for various purposes and a set of kamikaze boats, is not excluded. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and UAV could even be deployed on a single surface carrier.
Overall, the Pirana appears to be a typical modern unmanned boat, designed with current trends, operational experience, and so on in mind. The Turkish boat lacks any fundamental differences from other vessels in its class. Furthermore, it offers no significant technical or combat advantages. Apparently, this lack of distinction and advantage has led to the Piranha's lack of interest among customers.
Nevertheless, the Pirana project is of great importance for Turkish industry. In developing this unmanned boat, MKE ventured into a new direction. It gained valuable experience and can now apply it to the development of new boats. Perhaps this time, its kamikaze boat will be more commercially successful.
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