The Turkish Navy has marked a significant advancement in its undersea warfare capabilities with the launch of TCG MURATREİS (S-332), the third vessel in its new line of Reis-class attack submarines. Announced by the Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB) on May 29, 2025, this development is a key component of the nation’s New Type Submarine Project (YTNM), aimed at comprehensively upgrading its submarine fleet. The TCG MURATREİS has now commenced its testing and sea trial phase, with official commissioning anticipated for 2026.
Reis-Class: A Fusion of German Engineering and Turkish Innovation
The Reis-class submarines represent a Turkish adaptation of the renowned German Type 214 design, specifically designated as Type 214TN for Turkish service. These advanced diesel-electric submarines are distinguished by their cutting-edge Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems. This technology allows for extended submerged operations while maintaining a minimal acoustic footprint, crucial for stealth and survivability.
The ambitious program was formally set in motion on July 2, 2009, through an agreement between Turkey’s defense procurement agency and a German consortium featuring Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW) of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and MarineForce International LLP. The contract, valued at roughly €2.06 billion, became effective on June 22, 2011. It mandates the construction of six submarines at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard, fostering a blend of international expertise and substantial domestic industrial involvement.
Strengthening Domestic Defense Capabilities
A core objective of the Reis-class project is to bolster Turkey’s self-sufficiency in defense technology. Prominent Turkish companies, including ASELSAN, HAVELSAN, STM, AYESAŞ, TÜBİTAK, KoçSavunma, and MilSOFT, are making vital contributions. Their involvement spans critical areas such as combat management systems, sensor integration, electronic warfare suites, data processing, and command and control infrastructure. The construction methodology is also designed to ensure a progressive transfer of sophisticated submarine technology from Germany to Turkey.
Reis-Class Fleet Expansion on Schedule
The newly launched TCG MURATREİS (S-332) follows its sister ships in the program. The lead submarine, TCG Piri Reis (S-330), entered active service on August 24, 2024. The second in class, TCG Hızır Reis (S-331), was launched in May 2023 and is slated for commissioning by the close of 2025. Construction continues on the remaining three units: TCG Aydın Reis (S-333), TCG Seydi Ali Reis (S-334), and TCG Selman Reis (S-335). The Turkish Navy aims for the entire Reis-class to achieve full operational capability by 2029.
Advanced Technical Specifications for Undersea Dominance
Reis-class submarines are equipped with sophisticated Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell-based AIP systems. This enables them to remain submerged for up to 20 days without needing to snorkel, dramatically enhancing their stealth and operational endurance for covert missions in contested maritime zones.
Key specifications include:
- Length: Approximately 68.3 meters
- Beam: 6.3 meters
- Submerged Displacement: Around 2,000 tons
- Operational Depth: Exceeding 400 meters
- Submerged Speed: Over 20 knots
The design of the hull and propulsion systems is meticulously optimized to produce a low acoustic signature, making these submarines exceptionally difficult to detect using standard sonar technology.
Potent Armament and Sensor Suites
In terms of firepower, each Reis-class submarine boasts eight 533mm torpedo tubes. These can deploy heavyweight torpedoes, including the domestically produced ROKETSAN Akya, and UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Future upgrades plan to integrate Turkey’s next-generation Atmaca anti-ship missile and the Gezgin long-range land-attack cruise missile, significantly broadening their strike capabilities. The submarines are also capable of laying naval mines.
The vessels feature an advanced Integrated Combat Management System (CMS), a collaborative development by HAVELSAN and STM. This is complemented by state-of-the-art sonar systems, periscopes, flank arrays, active-passive sonar, Electronic Support Measures (ESM)/Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) capabilities, and modern navigation systems utilizing inertial and GPS-assisted technologies.
Bolstering Turkey’s Submarine Force
With the introduction of TCG MURATREİS, the Turkish Navy’s active submarine fleet now numbers 13. This diverse force comprises two Atilay-class (Type 209/1200), four Preveze-class (Type 209/1400), four Gür-class (Type 209/1400), and the commissioned Reis-class vessels. This strategic mix ensures a balanced capability for both current and future undersea operations, from coastal defense to long-range power projection.
MILDEN: The Path to Indigenous Submarine Development
Looking further ahead, Turkey is actively pursuing the MILDEN (Milli Denizaltı – National Submarine) program. This ambitious initiative aims to develop an entirely indigenous class of AIP-powered submarines. Construction of the first MILDEN-class submarine commenced on January 2, 2025, at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard, with its operational deployment anticipated in the 2030s. The MILDEN project highlights Turkey’s long-term commitment to strategic autonomy and fostering homegrown defense innovation.
Strategic Impact: Enhancing Regional Deterrence
The launch of TCG MURATREİS is more than just a fleet expansion; it signifies Turkey’s growing prowess in developing a technologically sophisticated and self-reliant defense sector. By deploying these new-generation AIP submarines, characterized by enhanced stealth, extended endurance, and versatile armament, Turkey is substantially strengthening its deterrent capabilities in key maritime regions, including the Eastern Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas.
A robust submarine force provides Turkey with significant strategic depth and an asymmetric advantage in potentially contested waters. During periods of tension, these submarines offer an unseen yet credible strike threat, while in peacetime, they act as a silent guardian of national sovereignty.
The Reis-class project, and the launch of its third submarine, is thus a critical element in Turkey’s evolving maritime strategy and a testament to its rising status as a regional naval power.
