Turkey Could be the Next Submarine Powerhouse
Summary and Key Points: Turkey has officially commissioned its first Reis-class submarine, TCG Piri Reis (S-330), marking a significant milestone in its naval capabilities.
-The submarine, equipped with advanced air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, is the first of six planned under the project, with subsequent submarines scheduled for commissioning through 2029. Built with assistance from Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, the project strengthens Turkey's defense industry.
-The commissioning follows the launch of Turkey's first drone carrier, TCG Anadolu, underscoring Turkey's shift toward innovative naval assets that prioritize unmanned systems and air-independent technology.
Turkey Commissions First Reis-Class Submarine: A New Era for Naval Power
The Turkish Navy officially commissioned the TCG Piri Reis (S-330), its first Reis-class (Type-214TN) submarine, at a ceremony at the Aksaz Naval Base, located near Marmaris on the country's southwestern coast, on Saturday. Turkish President Recap Tayyip Erdo an attended the ceremony as its chief guest, and he was joined by the Turkish Minister of Defense Ya ar Güler and other high-ranking officials.
"TCG Piri Reis, which entered service today, is the first of our submarines equipped with six air-independent propulsion systems. To date, over 380 factory, harbor, and sea acceptance tests have been successfully completed on the Piri Reis." Erdo an said in his remarks.
As noted by the Turkish leader, Ankara currently plans to build six of the air-independent propulsion (AIP) boats, with the second of the class, the TCG Hizir Reis (S-331) also beginning its sea trials this past weekend. TCG Murat Reis (S-332), the third submarine of the class, is now undergoing the final outfitting.
"We plan to commission our second submarine, TCG Hizir Reis, in 2025, following the initiation of flag hoisting and sea trials. The TCG Murat Reis, currently undergoing dry dock equipping, is slated for commissioning in 2026," Erdo an added. "Construction of our fourth submarine, TCG Aydin Reis, as well as the fifth, TCG Seydi Ali Reis, and sixth, TCG Selman Reis, is progressing rapidly. We aim to commission all submarines under this project by 2029."
Though the commissioning of the submarine was a significant milestone for the Turkish Navy, it should be noted that Ankara had significant foreign help from NATO ally Germany in the design and construction of the submarines.
"Türkiye (Turkey) selected German shipbuilder Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems' (then Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft's) Type 214-class AIP submarine design in 2008 to meet its requirement for new boats to replace ageing Type 209 boats. A contract worth around EUR2.5 billion (then valued at USD3.96 billion) was signed in 2009 covering the delivery of material packages for the six boats, which are being built at Gölcük Naval Shipyard using a high degree of local content," international military analyst firm Janes reported.
Construction of S-330 began in 2015 and the diesel-electric powered submarine was floated out in March 2021. It was originally on track to be delivered to the Turkish Navy by the end of 2022 but was delayed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The program is expected to greatly enhance Turkey's defense technological and industrial base, which has been a cornerstone of Erdogan's administration.
The boats feature a single-hull and single-compartment design, while more importantly, it will employ an air-independent propulsion system that is based on the HDW's fuel cell technology, which will allow the submarines to operate underwater for extended periods of time without having to resort to batteries. Each of the Reis-class subs displaces 1,850 tons, and has a length of 68.35 meters (225 feet). The boats' complement consists of 40 officers and sailors.
More Than Submarines
The commissioning of the first Reis-class submarine also comes months after the Turkish Navy's Istanbul Naval Shipyard revealed the latest developments of its future flattop – clarifying the role of the second "drone carrier."
At a January 3, 2024, meeting of the Turkish Defense Industry Executive Committee, Erdo an gave the green light for a second carrier.
It was just last year that the TCG Anadolu multipurpose amphibious assault ship was commissioned into the Turkish Navy. Modeled after the Spanish Navy's flagship Juan Carlos I, the Turkish LHD was built with 70% domestic production. According to Turkish officials, a team of some 110 individuals at the Directorate of Design Project Office (DPO) is already exploring ways to increase the domestic production ratio for the new national aircraft carrier.
However, unlike many other carriers in service, the Turkish Navy's flattop was designed to operate primarily with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
It now appears that while Turkey may not have nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers, it is making dowith could be the very next best thing in each case.
Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.
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