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TCG Muratreis, the third submarine in Türkiye’s Reis-class series, was launched Thursday, the Turkish Defense Ministry said.
The submarine entered the water at Gölcük Naval Shipyard under Türkiye’s New Type Submarine Project (YTDP), marking a significant step forward in the nation’s underwater defense capabilities.
The ministry stated that "Muratreis, the third of six Reis-class submarines being built at our General Directorate of Naval Shipyards' Golcuk Naval Shipyard Command, was launched on the 572nd anniversary of the Conquest of Istanbul."
The Reis-class submarines represent a derivative of the German Type 214 class, developed by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. These submarines feature air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, enabling them to remain submerged significantly longer than conventional diesel-electric submarines.
The AIP system utilizes fuel cell technology with PEM Fuel Cells (2x120kw) and high-capacity batteries (2×324 units), providing extended underwater endurance without snorkeling requirements.
The complete YTDP project encompasses six submarines being constructed at Golcuk Naval Shipyard. The vessels are designated as TCG Piri Reis (S-330), TCG Hizir Reis (S-331), TCG Muratreis (S-332), TCG Aydin Reis (S-333), TCG Seydi Ali Reis (S-334), and TCG Selman Reis (S-335).
TCG Pirireis has already entered service, while TCG Hizir Reis continues sea trials. TCG Muratreis is expected to join the fleet in 2025 or 2026.
TCG Muratreis measures approximately 68 meters in length with a submerged displacement of 2,000 tons.
The submarine will be equipped with eight 533mm torpedo tubes capable of launching various munitions, including Roketsan Akya torpedoes, Harpoon missiles, and future integration of Atmaca and Gezgin missiles.
The AIP system enables the submarine to conduct missions up to 20 days without snorkeling, with a maximum test depth exceeding 400 meters and underwater speeds surpassing 20 knots.
The Reis-class submarine project enhances Türkiye's submarine fleet, which currently consists of 12 conventionally-powered attack submarines: four Ay-class (Type 209/1200), four Preveze-class (Type 209T/1400), and four Gur-class (Type 209T2/1400) vessels.
By 2029, Türkiye will operate six Reis-class AIP submarines alongside the existing fleet.
The engineering experience and technological infrastructure gained from this project will support Türkiye's transition to the fully indigenous National Submarine (MILDEN) project, currently in the design phase with construction expected in the 2030s.
Multiple Turkish contractors, including Aselsan, Havelsan, MilSOFT, Defense Technologies Engineering and Trade Inc. (STM), Koc Information and Defense, Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK), and AYESAS contribute to subsystems development covering navigation, data management, data links, and torpedo countermeasure systems.
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