Turkey Sets Bold Plan for Nuclear Submarines
Turkey has officially announced its ambitious plan to develop nuclear-powered submarines, marking a new chapter in the country’s naval power strategy. In an interview with Warships International Fleet Review, Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, revealed the nation's long-term vision for maritime defense.
Admiral Tatlıoğlu emphasized that the MİLDEN project, Turkey’s National Submarine Program, will be the foundation for future nuclear submarines — a goal previously dominated by major military powers. Turkey also aims to become an exporter of advanced submarines, strengthening its regional influence in maritime defense.
In the interview, Tatlıoğlu highlighted the progress of the Reis-Class submarine project, which is currently the backbone of Turkey’s underwater fleet. These submarines use advanced Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems powered by domestically produced liquid hydrogen, allowing them to remain submerged for up to 14 days without surfacing.
The Reis-Class submarines are armed with locally produced Akya torpedoes, Atmaca and Gezgin cruise missiles, and Malaman naval mines. With six of these submarines joining the fleet, Turkey has significantly lowered the average age of its submarine force, boosting operational efficiency.
Beyond nuclear submarines, Turkey is also expanding its unmanned combat systems within the navy. Drone aircraft like the Bayraktar TB2, Akıncı, and Aksungur have already carried out reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions against land and sea targets.
Tatlıoğlu explained that integrating unmanned systems is a priority to minimize human casualties while extending the operational range of manned naval platforms. Soon, Turkey will deploy unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of mine warfare, electronic warfare, anti-submarine missions, and base defense.
Additionally, the TF-2000 destroyer project is underway, featuring the indigenous MIDLAS vertical launch system and Turkish-made missiles. These advanced warships will provide Turkey with a modern air defense shield against cruise missiles, drones, and hostile aircraft in increasingly complex naval battlefields.
At the Gölcük Shipyard, Turkey has maintained submarine construction capabilities for over 50 years. Tatlıoğlu confirmed this shipyard will lead the country's nuclear submarine production once the Reis-Class project is complete, ensuring continuous domestic manufacturing capacity for future generations.
Interestingly, Turkey plans to export these future submarines to allied and friendly nations, positioning itself as a global defense supplier. This move would significantly boost the country's defense industry and strategic partnerships worldwide.
At the 2024 SAHA EXPO, Turkey unveiled a concept for the MİLDEN submarine equipped with vertical launch systems for cruise missiles, signaling its readiness for long-range underwater strike operations in future conflicts.
Support from major Turkish defense companies like ASFAT and ROKETSAN further strengthens the plan to integrate advanced weapon systems, such as the submarine-launched MİDLAS, into the new submarine classes. These developments promise to enhance Turkey’s regional deterrence capabilities.
Looking ahead, Turkey aims to become one of the world’s top five naval powers, with a fleet including aircraft carriers, advanced destroyers, frigates, patrol boats, submarines, and unmanned combat systems to secure maritime dominance.
Tatlıoğlu explained that this naval modernization strategy would extend Turkey’s operational reach into the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and even the Pacific, securing national interests and protecting maritime rights in contested waters.
Turkey’s bold steps in building nuclear submarines should serve as an inspiration for Indonesia, a fellow maritime nation located between two of the world’s most strategic oceans. Similar investments in submarine technology and unmanned systems could reinforce Indonesia’s naval defenses.
With its growing talent pool and AI capabilities, Indonesia has the potential to develop advanced underwater combat systems — provided it receives the right government support and defense industry collaboration.
Turkey has proven that military self-reliance is achievable through long-term vision, political will, and strategic partnerships. The country’s nuclear submarine and unmanned system programs are a clear example of this successful defense strategy.
Indonesia could follow Turkey’s model by starting with locally built AIP submarines, developing indigenous vertical launch systems, and integrating AI-driven drones in naval operations. This would enhance not only national security but also open opportunities in the regional defense market.
By combining advanced weaponry with defense diplomacy, Turkey is creating a navy that can project power in regional and global arenas. This approach is highly relevant for Indonesia as it seeks to secure its vast maritime domain.
Turkey’s decision to move forward with nuclear submarine projects in today’s volatile geopolitical climate is a reminder that military modernization is possible without over-reliance on major powers. The question remains: will Indonesia rise to the same challenge?
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