The Turkish Naval Forces announced the successful completion of a critical project that will significantly increase anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities in its “Activities Carried Out in the Last Three-Year Period” report published as of March 2025. Low Frequency Active Sonar (DUFAS) It was stated that the sea acceptance tests of a DÜFAS sonar, which can be towed from surface platforms within the scope of the project, were successfully completed in the Marmara Sea.
The importance of the DÜFAS project was emphasized in the report with the following statements: “The project was completed as a result of the sea acceptance tests in the Sea of Marmara of 1 active sonar that operates at low frequency, has a long detection range and enables earlier detection of silent threats and can be towed from S/U platforms. Thanks to the project, critical acoustic technologies that were not transferred by member countries even within NATO were acquired with national means.” This statement clearly reveals the technological depth Türkiye has reached in the field of submarine defense and its strategic success in reducing external dependency.
Progress on TF-2000 and BOSS Sonar Projects
In addition to the completion of the DÜFAS project, the report also shared information about the sonar systems developed for the TF-2000 air defense warfare destroyer, the important warship of the future. It was reported that the multifunctional medium and low frequency sonar (BOSS) development project for surface platforms is continuing as planned. It was also stated that Phase-1 of the Medium Frequency Ship-Mounted Sonar (Of-GMS) system was successfully completed in April 2025. These developments indicate that the future combat elements of the Turkish Navy will also be equipped with advanced sonar systems.
Features and Importance of DÜFAS System
DÜFAS System is designed in line with the needs of the Naval Forces Command within the framework of the contract signed with the Presidency of Defense Industries. originally with national resources It is an advanced system. Equipped with the latest technologies, DÜFAS is a system that detects silent threats underwater, especially submarines, for surface platforms. detection from very long distances It is a towed active/passive sonar system with variable depth used for
System, The first and only towed sonar system designed and produced with domestic resources It stands out as a. Thanks to the detailed acoustic image it creates, it is possible to precisely detect and track long-range targets. DÜFAS also continuously active sonar (CAS) It provides high accuracy detection in wide sea areas using its feature.
In passive sonar mode, DÜFAS is used for early detection of silent and dangerous threats, especially torpedoes, by listening to acoustic noises in the environment. Another important difference from its counterparts is that DÜFAS has been developed nationally. HIZIR Torpedo Countermeasure (TKT) components can also be integrated. Thanks to this integration, the system can automatically suggest the most appropriate countermeasure tactics and ship escape maneuvers to the user to eliminate torpedoes fired from enemy platforms.
In this way, DÜFAS not only has superior active sonar capabilities, but also incorporates the features of the HIZIR System. a complete torpedo countermeasure system When a torpedo is detected, the system automatically activates integrated countermeasure equipment to eliminate the threat and allow the ship to escape safely. The successful completion of the DÜFAS project is considered a strategic gain that will significantly increase the deterrence and operational effectiveness of the Turkish Naval Forces in the field of anti-submarine warfare.
