Ufuk signals step-change for Turkish intelligence collection
TCG Ufuk pictured in December 2021 before it was officially commissioned the following month. (Photo: Cem Devrim Yaylali)
A new so-called test and training ship for the Turkish Navy will actually gather COMINT and SIGINT data for the Turkish National Intelligence Organization.
Turkish efforts to improve COMINT and SIGINT capabilities took a step forward in mid-January when TCG Ufuk (A-591) was commissioned into the country's navy.
Prime contractor STM officially described it as a test and training ship although, in reality, Ufuk is the first indigenously built vessel designed to deliver data for the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT).
Boosting at-sea intelligence collection is important to Turkey for two main reasons. It reduces the risks associated with low-level aerial reconnaissance (a Turkish Air Force RF-4E aircraft on a SIGINT mission was shot down over Syria in 2012, for example); and it also enhances
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Lockheed Martin wins contract to build the Trident II D5 Life Extension missile]()
Lockheed Martin wins contract to build the Trident II D5 Life Extension missile
The company will also invest in new production facilities to service the ongoing need for the D5LE2.
-
![Mitsubishi to build new OPV for Indonesia to enhance security coverage]()
Mitsubishi to build new OPV for Indonesia to enhance security coverage
The offshore patrol vessel (OPV) will join its predecessor vessel in enforcing security around Indonesia’s coastline.
-
![US approves $900 million missile sale to the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force]()
US approves $900 million missile sale to the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force
The sale would advance the JMSDF’s ability to protect its assets and maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
-
![UK opens new submarine centre to support nuclear deterrent vessels]()
UK opens new submarine centre to support nuclear deterrent vessels
The Submarine Availability Support Hub is the latest in a string of government investments in submarine warfare.
