STM: First domestic HVLAS put into operation

Having successfully passed all acceptance tests, the high velocity low altitude air defence system (HVLAS), jointly developed by Turkish STM and Berkin Defence Engineering, has been activated and commissioned for operational use.

As informed, HVLAS, which is used on surface warships and had previously been procured from abroad, was developed through STM’s localization initiatives and introduced to Türkiye in 2023.

For the first time, HVLAS was integrated into a corvette constructed under an export program led by STM as the main contractor. 

The indigenously developed HVLAS is also set to be integrated into another corvette built under the same export project. In addition, STM plans to integrate the system into three corvettes of the Malaysia corvette project (LMS Batch-2), as well as all of the MİLGEM İstif-class frigates numbered 6 through 12 in Türkiye.

In total, HVLAS will be commissioned aboard 12 surface warships, both in Türkiye and abroad.

Developed using national resources, HVLAS includes visual aids and lights for helicopter landing decks. It also has software to make sure all parts of the system work correctly. This system helps helicopter pilots land safely on ships during the day and at night.

According to STM, HVLAS makes it easier for pilots to land safely even when it’s dark or visibility is poor, reducing their workload.

The system can be used on various navy ships that have helicopter landing areas, such as corvettes, frigates, and support ships.