Türkiye deploys AI 'digital lookout' to boost maritime safety

Turkish defense technology firm HAVELSAN has developed BLUEVISION, an artificial intelligence-powered maritime safety system that fuses computer vision with sensor data to enhance situational awareness across both naval and commercial vessels operating in challenging maritime environments.

Real-time detection beyond radar

The platform combines thermal and daylight camera feeds with Automatic Identification System data to generate what developers describe as a comprehensive "safe maritime picture" — a real-time fusion of visual and digital data. Unlike conventional radar-dependent solutions, BLUEVISION detects small boats, floating buoys, and people in water that electromagnetic systems frequently fail to identify, providing operators with immediate visual and audio alerts regarding potential collision risks. Its modular architecture incorporates a high-performance AI processing unit that overlays digital information onto live video feeds, automatically classifying surface objects while accurately estimating their geographic coordinates regardless of lighting conditions.

Integration with Turkish naval platforms

The Turkish Navy has deployed the system aboard its SANCAR Armed Uncrewed Surface Vehicle to support autonomous navigation and search-and-rescue missions in contested waters. BLUEVISION operates in full integration with HAVELSAN's ADVENT Combat Management System, creating a seamless interface between the USV's sensors and fleet command centers. The technology has also been adapted for submarine periscope surveillance operations, expanding its utility beyond surface vessels to underwater intelligence gathering missions.

Commercial maritime applications

Beyond military use, HAVELSAN has integrated the technology into RAFNAR boats through partnerships with VN Maritime and Piloda Shipyard, while commercial container ships have begun adopting the system to enhance navigation safety on international routes. Company officials noted that the software infrastructure continuously learns from operational data, allowing remote updates that adapt the system to emerging maritime scenarios without requiring hardware modifications. This capability aims to reduce human error during long-duration voyages while improving overall operational efficiency for both merchant fleets and luxury yacht operators.

Specialized modules for diverse missions

HAVELSAN representatives stated that BLUEVISION extends beyond standard navigation assistance to include dedicated software packages for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as specialized search and rescue protocols. The "digital lookout" capability has already demonstrated effectiveness in detecting objects that traditional watchkeepers might miss during night operations or periods of reduced visibility. Additional modules support autonomous decision-making processes, enabling uncrewed vessels to navigate complex shipping lanes with minimal human intervention.