Azerbaijan Unveils Missile-Armed Naval Drones in Caspian, Challenging Russia at Sea

Azerbaijan has introduced Turkish-made Salvo unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) into service with its navy, marking the first deployment of armed naval drones in the Caspian Sea.

The systems, designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, coastal defense, and strike operations, were recently observed during naval drills.

According to Defense Express on August 20, the Salvo drones were showcased by the Azerbaijani Navy against the backdrop of rising security concerns and strained relations between Baku, Moscow, and Tehran.

Developed by the Turkish shipbuilding company Dearsan in cooperation with Aselsan, Roketsan, and Yaltes, the USVs represent Azerbaijan’s initial step toward building a fleet of unmanned maritime platforms.

The Salvo measures 14.79 meters in length, 3.83 meters in width, with a draft of 0.75 meters. Powered by two diesel engines and waterjets, the vessel can reach speeds of up to 50 knots and has an operational range exceeding 555 kilometers. It is equipped with a diesel generator to support onboard systems.

The drone’s armament includes a stabilized, remotely operated 12.7 mm machine gun and a launcher capable of firing either four L-UMTAS guided missiles or up to eight Cirit missiles, a system based on the American APKWS design.

Images from recent exercises indicate the presence of a small maritime radar and a retractable mast fitted with an electro-optical targeting station to enhance surveillance and targeting capabilities.

While the drones displayed in Azerbaijan appeared without visible weapon systems, they are designed to engage both surface and land-based targets. The integration of Cirit missiles also suggests potential, though unconfirmed, capability against aerial threats such as UAVs.

The deployment signals the beginning of Azerbaijan’s naval drone program. Analysts note that future acquisitions may include explosive-laden USVs designed for one-way strike missions, similar to Ukraine’s Magura. Turkey has already developed its own versions, such as the ULAQ KAMA, which have entered service with the Turkish Navy.

Earlier, Russian pro-war media figures called for confrontation with Azerbaijan after President Ilham Aliyev voiced support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity at the Shusha Global Media Forum on July 20.

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