Reis-Class Submarine “TCG Piri Reis” Strengthens Turkey’s Status as a Mediterranean Maritime Power

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA)– In a historic moment, Turkey has commissioned its first Reis-class (Type-214TN) submarine, the TCG Piri Reis (S-330), equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, further solidifying its status as a maritime power in the Mediterranean Sea.

The TCG Piri Reis, owned by the Turkish Navy, is the first of six domestically built Reis-class submarines, developed in collaboration with the renowned German submarine manufacturer, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).

“We plan to commission the second Reis-class submarine, TCG Hizir Reis, next year, followed by the third, TCG Murat Reis, in 2026,” said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“Construction of the fourth Reis-class submarine, TCG Aydin Reis, the fifth, TCG Seydi Ali Reis, and the sixth, TCG Selman Reis, is progressing smoothly. We aim to commission all six submarines by 2029.”

He also mentioned that the experience and knowledge gained from building these six Reis-class submarines would contribute to Turkey’s indigenous submarine construction program, known as “MILDEN.”

 

Currently, the Turkish Navy operates 12 submarines, comprising four Ay-class (Type 209/1200) submarines, four Preveze-class (Type 209T/1400) submarines, and four Gur-class (Type 209T2/1400) submarines.

All 12 of these existing submarines are diesel-electric attack submarines.

By 2029, the Turkish Navy’s submarine fleet, which currently stands at 12 submarines, will grow to 18 with the addition of six Reis-class submarines utilizing AIP technology.

 The AIP system of the Reis-class submarines employs fuel cell technology and high-capacity batteries, enabling these advanced submarines to conduct long-range and extended-duration operations without the need for snorkelling.

The Turkish Navy’s Reis-class submarines feature a single-hull, one-compartment design and AIP technology. These new submarines are 68.35 meters long, have a diameter of 6.3 meters, weigh 1,850 tons, and can accommodate a crew of 40. TKMS built the Reis-class submarines at the Golcuk Naval Shipyard.

Turkey’s Reis-class submarines are capable of executing various missions, ranging from littoral to deep-sea operations, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, and special forces operations.

The Reis-class submarines will be equipped with submarine-launched variants of the “Atmaca” anti-ship missile developed by Roketsan, as well as the “Gezgin” cruise missile, which is still under development by Turkey.

Little is known about the “Gezgin” missile, as Turkey has kept its development secret, but it is said to be comparable to the “Tomahawk” cruise missile.

 In addition to the “Atmaca” anti-ship missile and the “Gezgin” cruise missile, all six Reis-class submarines will also be equipped with the heavy torpedo “Akya.” — DSA