Türkiye confirms plans to acquire nuclear submarines

In an interview with Cem Devrim Yaylalı, Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, detailed the future vision of the Turkish Navy.

Admiral Tatlıoğlu provided details about the Reis-class Submarine Project, saying that the ship is equipped with advanced sonar, advanced communications that distinguishes the class, helping to improve mine laying capabilities and Special Forces operations.

Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu gives a detailed interview to Warship International Fleet Review. Screenshot

The Reis class can operate continuously for 14 days underwater, thereby enhancing endurance and stealth capabilities, thanks to the use of air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology.

“Domestically produced liquid hydrogen supports the AIP system. The introduction of six Reis-class submarines reduces the average age of the fleet and improves maintenance and operational efficiency. Equipped with Akya torpedoes, Atmaca and Gezgin missiles, as well as Malaman mines, the class has achieved full self-sufficiency in weapons,” said Admiral Tatlıoğlu.

Türkiye's nuclear submarine ambitions

Ensuring uninterrupted construction with the submarine construction capacity at the Gölcük Shipyard Command, which has been in operation for nearly 50 years. Thus, Türkiye preserves and develops the submarine base for future generations after the Reis-class submarines.

MILDEN nuclear submarine developed by Türkiye. Photo: Naval News

“Through this, the Navy will also take an important step towards the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, which are essential for our long-term submarine deterrence and our vision of becoming a middle power with global influence. After the operational demonstration, we will also aim to export MILDEN to allied and friendly countries based on national interests,” Admiral Tatlıoğlu emphasized.

MİLDEN is not only a step towards nuclear submarines but also towards broader land attack capabilities from submarines, as ASFAT demonstrated a submarine with vertical launch tubes at SAHA EXPO 2024.

An earlier statement by ROKETSAN's launch department director, Mustafa Özdemir, about the submarine variant of the MİLDEN launch module during Euronaval 2024 reinforced plans to equip the MİLDEN with vertical launch tubes.

The TF-2000 destroyer along with the MILDEN submarine will fulfill the vision of the Turkish Navy. Graphics: Kaan Azman

Regarding the national submarine (MILDEN) projects and the long-awaited TF-2000 destroyer, Tatlıoğlu stated: “Building a submarine that meets all our operational needs, with a design and construction process that is completely under our control, independent of foreign countries, has been the nation's aspiration for the past 139 years.”

Tatlıoğlu has outlined the expectations for the MILDEN project as reducing dependence on submarines and enhancing indigenous systems.