HAVELSAN’s DBDS: A Look into Türkiye’s Indigenous Submarine Data Distribution System
During IDEF 2025 in Istanbul, Naval News spoke with Hayrettin Karabudak, C4ISR Hardware Engineering Group Manager at HAVELSAN, about the development and operational role of the Submarine Data Distribution System (DBDS). In the interview, Karabudak outlined the system’s technical foundations, evolution over nearly two decades, and its growing footprint on naval platforms both in Türkiye and abroad.
Originally developed to meet the Turkish Navy’s requirement for a domestic data distribution system, DBDS has since matured into a critical component of modern naval architecture. It functions as the digital nervous system of a ship or submarine, collecting and disseminating data from various onboard sensors and subsystems with minimal latency. HAVELSAN has continually evolved the system through local engineering and production, achieving high levels of localization and expanding its deployment across a range of national and export platforms.
Naval News: Could you explain the philosophy and purpose behind the development of the DBDS (Submarine Data Distribution System)?
Mr. Karabudak: Our journey with data distribution systems began in 2005, during the early stages of ship design projects. At the time, data distribution was a critical requirement outlined by the Turkish Navy. We voluntarily assumed responsibility in this area. After a year of preparation, we signed our first contract at IDEF 2007, and by 2008–2009, we began developing our first Ship Data Distribution System for the first MILGEM corvette. This led to further projects such as the New Type Patrol Boat and the New Type Submarine. What began as a system we developed once a year has now evolved into a mature capability, with over 15 years of accumulated experience and a highly capable team.
Today, we not only develop the software but also design and manufacture the electronic boards, mechanical enclosures, and carry out complete in-house production. We’ve replaced many off-the-shelf imported components with our own designs, bringing our localization rate above 90%. We handle all engineering and manufacturing ourselves. To date, our systems have been integrated into approximately 45–50 platforms, both domestically and internationally, including around 13–14 submarines.
Naval News: Can you name some of the international platforms where DBDS has been deployed?
Mr. Karabudak: To the extent that confidentiality allows, I can say that our systems have been deployed on submarines and ships in Pakistan — including Agosta-class submarines and MILGEM corvettes exported to Pakistan. We’ve also integrated the system into corvettes built for Ukraine and two ships produced for Nigeria.
There’s also an installation in Indonesia, though I’ll refrain from naming the specific platforms. Looking ahead, there are ongoing efforts for deployments in Qatar and potentially Malaysia. Portugal is another country where we see submarine-related opportunities.
Naval News: Compared to previously outsourced data distribution systems, what are the key advantages of DBDS?
Mr. Karabudak: Although data distribution systems might seem simple, they are critical to the operational harmony of a ship. We refer to them as the “heart” of a ship — or a submarine — because all platform sensors, especially in submarines, transmit vital data through this system.
For example, a MILGEM platform might have over 100 connectors on its DBDS cabinet. Each of those connectors distributes data to critical subsystems — and timing is everything. Time synchronization, particularly with GPS, is essential. Key data like heading, roll, and pitch (HRP) must be distributed in real-time. In naval warfare, every millisecond counts. For instance, if your inertial navigation system (INS) works at 200 Hz, it produces HRP data every 5 milliseconds. If this data isn’t distributed within that window, it becomes obsolete.
Some systems, like fire control radars, rely on this precise timing. If the data is delayed, your reaction time against an incoming missile is compromised. The DBDS ensures that data from the most accurate INS is selected and distributed with minimal latency. In high sea states — say, Sea State 5 or 6 — or in ocean conditions with 25–30 meter waves, timely roll-pitch data can make or break your weapon engagement. That’s why we’ve optimized DBDS to operate within extremely tight time budgets, often with only half a millisecond under our control after upstream delays.
Naval News: Are there any plans to integrate new technologies such as artificial intelligence into DBDS?
Mr. Karabudak: Yes, absolutely. We are actively working on integrating AI capabilities into our systems. Since all platform data passes through the DBDS, it makes sense to apply AI to detect anomalies, enhance cybersecurity, and support predictive maintenance. This is particularly beneficial from an Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) perspective. For example, if one subsystem is producing faulty data, the DBDS can detect it and notify operators, potentially preventing broader system failures.
