Today’s Pic of the Day features Turkish Navy Special Forces, also known as “Su Altı Taarruz” (SAT), which means “Underwater Offense” in Turkish. Established in 1963, the SAT is trained and equipped to conduct a wide range of missions, including underwater demolition, amphibious operations, counterterrorism, and hostage rescue.

Key Capabilities and Roles

  • Underwater Demolition: SAT commandos are highly skilled in conducting underwater demolitions, which include clearing obstacles to amphibious landings or destroying targets such as bridges, ships, and docks.
  • Amphibious Operations: They are trained to engage in operations launched from the sea onto the land, often involving covert beach landings to capture strategic positions or gather intelligence.
  • Counter-Terrorism and Hostage Rescue: SAT operators are equipped to deal with maritime terrorist threats, such as hijackings and piracy. They also conduct counter-terrorism operations on land when required.
  • Reconnaissance: These operators perform both coastal and underwater reconnaissance to collect strategic intelligence.

Training and Equipment

SAT commandos undergo rigorous training that includes diving, parachuting, counter-terrorism, and commando tactics. Their training also involves harsh physical conditioning to prepare them for the demanding nature of their missions.

SAT uses a range of specialized gear suited for maritime operations, such as closed-circuit diving systems that allow them to approach targets covertly without releasing bubbles. They also use a variety of weapons tailored to their unique operational requirements, including underwater firearms and explosives.

Operational History

The Turkish Navy SF has been involved in various national and international operations, often in collaboration with other Turkish and allied special forces. Given Turkey‘s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, its capabilities are crucial not only for national defense but also for NATO operations.

Overall, the SAT is a key asset in the Turkish military’s special operations capability. Its unique set of skills is particularly focused on maritime and amphibious environments.

They are shown in our featured photo firing CZ Scorpion Evos. The CZ Scorpion EVO has garnered attention and acclaim not just for its functionality and reliability but also for its ergonomic design and adaptability to various shooting conditions and user preferences.

Design and Ergonomics

The CZ Scorpion EVO features a highly ergonomic design with a well-thought-out control layout that is accessible for both right and left-handed shooters. The weapon’s controls, including the magazine release and safety, are ambidextrous. Its pistol grip is designed to be comfortable and provide a secure grip, which is essential for controlling the weapon during rapid firing. Additionally, the Scorpion EVO’s lightweight design makes it easier to handle, reducing shooter fatigue during prolonged use.

Customization

One of the significant aspects of the Scorpion EVO is its high level of customization. The firearm is equipped with multiple Picatinny rails, allowing users to mount a wide range of accessories such as optics, lights, and laser systems. In addition, the aftermarket support for the Scorpion EVO is robust, with many third-party companies offering a ton of accessories and modifications, ranging from enhanced triggers and grips to custom barrels and stocks. This ability to customize and upgrade the firearm makes it highly appealing to a wide variety of shooters, from enthusiasts to professional operators.

Variants and Uses

  • Scorpion EVO 3 S1: This is the semi-automatic variant popular among civilians and is often used for sport shooting, home defense, and as a tactical firearm by some law enforcement agencies.
  • Scorpion EVO 3 A1: The fully automatic version, which is capable of both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire, is restricted to military and law enforcement use.

Performance and Reliability

The Scorpion EVO is noted for its exceptional reliability. It handles various types of 9mm ammunition well, which is critical for users who may need to use different ammunition types depending on availability or mission requirements. The simple blowback design aids in this reliability, as it has fewer moving parts and is less susceptible to malfunctions compared to more complex mechanisms.

Overall, the CZ Scorpion EVO stands out in the modern firearms market for its innovative approach to user experience and adaptability. Its continued popularity in both civilian and professional circles attests to its effectiveness and versatility as a compact firearm suitable for a variety of roles.