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Türkiye's Military Factory and Shipyard Management Inc (ASFAT) General Manager Mustafa Ilbas announced that critical milestones have been completed in both the TF-2000 air defense destroyer and National Submarine (MILDEN) projects, with both advancing as planned, speaking at the DIMDEX 2026 Naval Defense Exhibition.
Ilbas told Turkish media outlet TRT Haber that ASFAT served as the main contractor in the first phase of the TF-2000 Air Defense Destroyer Project, known as the Tepe-class, and has recently been awarded responsibility for the second phase through a newly signed contract.
"Being the main contractor is a source of pride for us," Ilbas said, noting the project is progressing in phases.
While no definitive timeline was provided for the launch date, Ilbas stated that delivery at the earliest possible date remains the target. "The process is going very well, there are no problems; the project continues as planned," Ilbas said.
The TF-2000 is designed as an advanced air defense warfare destroyer equipped with radar, electronic warfare systems and missile defense capabilities. The vessel aims to enhance the Turkish Naval Forces' deterrence in the Blue Homeland strategy.
Block construction began at the Istanbul Shipyard Command.
The destroyer features:
Design specifications include:
Ilbas confirmed ASFAT is also serving as the main contractor for the National Submarine Project. He announced the "T0" phase was initiated last month and submarine construction has begun at Golcuk.
"The national submarine project is going very well. We want to build our national submarine on the specified date and deliver it for use by our Naval Forces," Ilbas said.
Ministry of National Defense Press and Public Relations Advisor Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk announced in December 2025 that test block construction for MILDEN has started at Golcuk Shipyard Command, following the first block construction of the TF-2000 at Istanbul Shipyard Command.
The first MILDEN is planned for delivery to the Turkish Naval Forces Command before 2030.
MILDEN will feature approximately 2,700 tons displacement, over 80 meters in length and a diesel-electric design with an air-independent propulsion system. These capabilities will make MILDEN competitive in its class and contribute to long-duration silent cruising capability.
The submarine's hull will be constructed from high-tensile steel coated with anechoic material to minimize acoustic wave reflection and enhance stealth in sonar-dense environments. Hulls will be built using locally produced HY-100 and HY-130 high-yield stainless ballistic steels, ensuring high corrosion resistance and ferromagnetic properties essential for submarines.
MILDEN's propulsion system incorporates six PEM fuel cell modules, each generating at least 60 kilowatt (kW). The AIP system offers substantial underwater endurance, supporting extended stealthy operations in strategic waters.
Compared to current Turkish submarines, MILDEN is expected to operate at greater depths, carry a heavier weapons load and remain submerged longer.
Combat capabilities include eight 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of launching indigenous weapons, including Akya National Heavyweight Torpedo, Sub-Atmaca anti-ship missile and Gezgin submarine-launched cruise missile. MILDEN will carry domestically developed navigation radar and a sonar suite integrating low-frequency flank arrays, bow arrays and towed arrays.
The MILDEN Design Project Office was established in 2019 and moved to the Golcuk Naval Shipyard in 2021. By January 2022, Türkiye completed MILDEN's conceptual design phase, moving into the preliminary design phase.
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