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Türkiye announced a historic step in the development of its indigenous submarine National Submarine (MILDEN) project. According to the Turkish Naval Forces Command's activity report dated March 2025, the construction of the first of six submarines in the new fleet is expected to be completed by 2031.
The construction process for the first submarine officially began on Dec. 16, 2024, with the first welding of the test block, as announced by the Turkish navy.
"With the start of the first welding of the test block on December 16, 2024, the construction of the first submarine has officially begun," the statement read.
Submarine design and construction activities are often compared to space vehicle manufacturing due to their technical complexity and difficulty. The MILDEN project represents a monumental leap for Türkiye’s defense industry.
The entry of the new generation of indigenous submarines into service is expected to eliminate Türkiye's dependence on foreign suppliers for its submarine fleet. The MILDEN program is an ambitious effort by the Turkish defense sector to create a new class of submarines with advanced electrical, telecommunications, and sensor technologies, as well as propulsion and armament systems.
The national submarine development program, coordinated by the Turkish Naval Research Center Command, began in March 2012. After the conceptual design phase was completed in 2022, construction officially began in 2024, with delivery planned for the first half of the 2030s.
The MILDEN submarine will be over 80 meters in length with a surface displacement of approximately 2,700 tons. One of the standout features of this submarine will be its Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, which enhances its stealth and endurance, allowing it to stay submerged for longer periods without needing to surface.
The MILDEN will also be equipped with cutting-edge weapons systems, including the domestically developed AKYA heavyweight torpedo, the ATMACA anti-ship missile, and the GEZGIN land-attack missile, which is currently under development by Roketsan. These capabilities will make the MILDEN a formidable addition to Türkiye's naval forces.
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