The first wave of amphibious assault is now unmanned: FNSS unveils U-MAV

20 August 2026 – FNSS unveiled U-MAV, the Multi-Purpose Modular Unmanned Amphibious Vehicle at TEKNOFEST Mavi Vatan 2026, hosted by the Gölcük Naval Shipyard Command in Kocaeli from 20 to 23 August 2026. İ-ZAHA designed to take the crew out of the first wave which is the highest-risk phase of any amphibious assault and to operate as part of a manned-unmanned team (MUM-T) with the Marine Assault Vehicles (MAV) already in service with the Turkish Naval Forces Command. It makes first contact with the opposing force’s shore defences ahead of the manned wave and keeps operators in a safe area. The 8-ton platform transits from sea to shore without interruption, reaching 7 knots ashore and 70 km/h on land. Its modules can be changed in the field in approximately 40 minutes allowing ten different mission variants, from Fire Support and Mine Clearance to Electronic Warfare (EW) and Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC).

Speaking about U-MAV, FNSS CEO and Board Member Selim Baybaş said: “FNSS continues to grow its work and its R&D investment in unmanned and autonomous vehicle technologies. U-MAV brings together our engineering capability, the field success of the Marine Assault Vehicle (MAV) and our continuing R&D effort in a new-generation, heavy-class unmanned amphibious vehicle. Very few companies worldwide can build an unmanned amphibious vehicle of this size and capability. With more than 35 years of experience in the industry and an active production line able to build several different platforms concurrently, FNSS is one of a small number of NATO suppliers that can do so. I am proud to say that U-MAV opens a new era for FNSS.”

Multi-Purpose Modular Unmanned Amphibious Vehicle

Amphibious assault is among the most demanding and highest-casualty-risk operations in the full spectrum of warfare. The opposing force denies the beachline through layered minefields and fixed obstacle belts, while positioning machine gun and anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) emplacements to dominate the shore. Obstacle systems slow the assault force, channels it into kill zones, and increase the lethality of enemy fire. Every second the first assault wave is delayed favours the defender. This critical interval from the moment the assault force is within range to the moment it crosses the waterline is decisive for the entire operation; the opposing force uses this window to disrupt assault momentum and defeat the operation before the main attack can be pressed home.

Developed by FNSS, the U-MAV Multi-Purpose Modular Unmanned Amphibious Vehicle is a next-generation unmanned manoeuvre element, designed to operate in close coordination with Marine units equipped with the MAV/ZAHA amphibious assault vehicle. The primary mission of U-MAV is to establish initial engagement with enemy coastal defences ahead of manned MAV/ZAHA elements, neutralise mines and obstacles in accordance with its configured payload, prepare the beach for manned MAV/ZAHA approach and landing, and provide support throughout all subsequent phases of the operation. Autonomous, remote-controlled, or hybrid control modes keeping operators away from the line of contact throughout the mission, while the modular payload architecture, configurable with a range of mission systems, ensures that U-MAV contributes not only at initial contact, but actively across all phases: assault, support seizure and securing of the beachhead.

MISSION-SPECIFIC CAPABILITIES

Modular Mission Architecture

One of U-MAV’s most significant features is the interchangeability of mission payload modules on a common base platform, tailored to different operational profiles. The module swap can be completed in approximately 40 minutes in the field, enabling ten distinct mission configurations: Fire Support, Mine Clearance, Combat Engineering, Electronic Warfare (EW), Reconnaissance (RECCE), Deception, Counter-Drone, Navigation and Obstacle Marking, Logistics Support, and Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC). Multiple variants can operate in a coordinated fashion within the same operation. The common platform and sustainment infrastructure shared across variants minimises the logistics footprint while maintaining a high state of operational readiness.

Maritime and Land Mobility

U-MAV delivers seamless sea-to-shore mobility with a swimming speed of 7 knots and a road speed of 70 km/h. A combined 300-horsepower (hp) powerpack provides robust and reliable propulsion at an amphibious combat weight of 8 tonnes. With a power-to-weight ratio of 37.5 hp/tonne, the platform sustains performance throughout the transition from the waterline to hard terrain. An independent suspension system provides high manoeuvrability, while selectable tyre options allow adaptation to various ground conditions. Low visual, thermal and acoustic signatures enhance the platform’s stealth, while offering a generous payload volume for casualty evacuation, mission equipment and logistic support.

Remote Control and Inertial Navigation Capability

U-MAV is designed to operate in autonomous, remote-controlled, or hybrid mode. An encrypted mesh network infrastructure, GNSS/INS navigation system, and IFF identification module work in concert to maintain command and control (C2) continuity throughout the operation. The inertial navigation unit (INU) sustains position estimate in environments where satellite signals are denied or degraded. Communications range is 3 km in line-of-sight (LOS), extendable via UAV relay support across all variants. Operators remaining aboard ship throughout the mission reduces the risk of casualties to zero compared to traditional vanguard force elements. Upon datalink interruption, the platform first transitions to a safe hold state; it then either automatically returns to base via a pre-programmed route or continues the navigation task, depending on configuration.

Rapid and Effective Deployment Capability

U-MAV is fully transportable by road, rail, and sea across all standard military transport assets. Where rapid airlift to distant operational areas is required, the platform is compatible with heavy-lift helicopters and strategic airlifters including the CH-47F Chinook, Mil Mi-26, C-130 Hercules, A400M, C-17 Globemaster, C-5 Galaxy, An-124, and Il-76, making it highly compatible with modern joint logistics frameworks.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Support

U-MAV’s AI-enabled image processing architecture analyses camera feeds in real time on the vehicle’s onboard mission computer, transmitting detection data rather than high-bandwidth video via radio link. This preserves low-latency target awareness in bandwidth-constrained and communications-degraded environments. Detected elements are tagged with threat scores, type, and status using colour-coded overlays and detailed intelligence cards. Automatic target detection and fire control systems accelerate the engagement cycle by presenting prioritised targets to the operator, reducing scanning burden; all detected targets are tracked and recorded with timestamps. A newly defined target type or engagement rule can be applied instantly to the live imagery feed in the field.

The First Unmanned Vehicle Integrated with ‘Armor Integrity’

U-MAV is the first unmanned vehicle to integrate Armor Integrity, Nurol Teknoloji’s structural integrity monitoring system, into its digital backbone. With no crew to assess a hit, the system replaces human judgement. Its sensors detect an impact’s location, direction and severity in real time, calculate the affected area’s remaining structural capacity, track latent damage that accumulates over time, and transmit to the operator and chain of command. Using real-time data and systematic tactical analysis, it offers the commander options: manoeuvring to protect the weakened area, taking cover, continuing the mission or a passive role. If the connectivity is lost, data is stored locally and sent on reconnection, so the decision cycle from operator to tactical planning and logistics support is fed without interruption.

Images and photos courtesy FNSS