Turkey Plans to Acquire Nuclear-Powered Submarines, Power Projection to Regional Rivals

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Turkey is reportedly planning to enter the era of nuclear-powered submarine operations in the medium term, a move that would enhance its naval capabilities in line with its aspirations to become a regional power.

The operation of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in Mersin, along with proposals to build additional nuclear power plants in Sinop and Thrace, will provide Turkey with the critical knowledge and experience needed to operate nuclear-powered submarines in the future.

According to Turkish defense media reports citing writings by a senior naval officer, Lt. Colonel Deniz Aytan, various nuclear-powered submarines, particularly the French Navy’s Barracuda-class (Suffren), have been comprehensively studied.

The Barracuda-class will replace the older Rubis-class submarines.

 The choice of the Barracuda-class for in-depth study by the Turkish senior naval officer is due to its ability to operate quietly using various modern systems, making it a formidable weapon.

 

The future nuclear-powered submarines of Turkey will be equipped with a range of domestically developed weaponry, including the “Atmaca” guided missile, the “Gezgin” long-range cruise missile, and the heavy-class “Akya” torpedo.

These submarines, as envisioned by Ankara, will provide the capability to remain at sea for extended periods, unmatched by conventional submarines.

Powered by nuclear reactors, these submarines, equipped with long-range cruise missiles, represent the most strategic platform developed over decades and are seen as essential for any nation aspiring to be a serious geopolitical player on the world stage.

Currently, only six countries worldwide possess nuclear-powered submarines: the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, and India, with Australia expected to join in the coming years.

France currently has eight nuclear-powered submarines, four of which are capable of carrying ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads.

 At this time, there are no plans for Turkey’s future nuclear-powered submarines to be equipped with nuclear ballistic missiles.

The development of Turkey’s nuclear-powered submarines over the medium term will provide its navy with critical capabilities necessary for ongoing development and future preparedness.

This involves continuous training for its personnel in operating these complex vessels, which are significantly more challenging to manage than Turkey’s conventional submarines.

Turkey has its own submarine development program called “MILDEN,” which includes the construction of six domestically produced submarines in collaboration with Germany, with the Golcuk Naval Shipyard responsible for building these “Milli Denizalti” (National Submarine) vessels.

Previously, Golcuk was also involved in building 11 Type-209 submarines designed by Germany, making the Turkish company highly experienced and knowledgeable in submarine construction.

The construction of six “MILDEN” national submarines is expected to begin in 2025, further enhancing the output of Turkey’s defense industry for global marketing.

Golcuk Naval Shipyard is also currently building six Reis-class submarines based on the German Type-214TN design.

Each MILDEN submarine of the Turkish Navy will have a displacement of 2,700 tons, which is larger and heavier than the Reis-class submarines, which weigh around 1,800 tons.

This increased size and weight allow the MILDEN-class submarines to carry a more extensive array of weaponry, including the “Atmaca” guided missile and notably the “Gezgin” cruise missile, which is said to rival the capabilities of the “Tomahawk” by the United States and “Kalibr” by Russia.

The “Gezgin” cruise missile reportedly has the capability to strike land targets up to 1,000 kilometers away, providing Turkey with deep-strike capabilities against enemy assets and infrastructure.

The domestically produced heavy torpedo, “Akya,” will also be equipped on Turkey’s MILDEN submarines. – DSA