IDEF 2025 Series – Instalment

Held biennially in Istanbul, the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) has grown into one of the world's leading defence exhibitions—and a strategic stage for Turkey to showcase its expanding military-industrial capabilities. As the 2025 edition is now complete, I have the time to launch a multi-part series that takes a closer look at the things... Continue Reading →

A Nuclear Future? Turkish Navy Reveals Ambition for Nuclear-Powered Submarines (Part 3)

This is the third and final part of my series examining Türkiye’s emerging ambition to build and operate nuclear-powered submarines. In Part 1, I explored why Türkiye wants this capability. Part 2 analyzed what it would take to achieve it. Now, I look at what it would cost—not just in monetary terms, but also politically... Continue Reading →

A Nuclear Future? Turkish Navy Reveals Ambition for Nuclear-Powered Submarines (Part 2)

This is the second part of my series on Türkiye’s newly declared ambition to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. In Part 1, I discussed why Türkiye believes it needs this capability. In this instalment, I explore what it would take—from nuclear technology and shipbuilding infrastructure to international cooperation and human capital. Following the Turkish Navy’s newly stated... Continue Reading →

A Nuclear Future? Turkish Navy Reveals Ambition for Nuclear-Powered Submarines (Part 1)

I recently conducted an interview with the Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu. The two-part interview is being published in Warship International Fleet Review Magazine. To read it in full, you'll need to access the magazine. One of the most significant revelations from the interview, in my view, is how the future... Continue Reading →

Gökberk and Alka: Türkiye’s Evolving Laser Defense Systems

Today, Aselsan shared new information regarding the tests conducted with Gökberk mobile laser weapon system.  Both Aselsan and Roketsan have significantly advanced laser weapon systems, enhancing defense capabilities against modern threats such as drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These systems, when fielded, will demonstrate the nation's commitment to integrating advanced technologies into its national... Continue Reading →

Analyzing North Korea’s New Warship: Speculations on Design and Capability

On 10 January 2025, Joseph H. Dempsey published a detailed analysis on the IISS Military Balance Blog, shedding light on North Korea’s latest naval development. Dempsey’s report highlights the construction of the country’s largest-ever warship, providing key insights into its design, potential capabilities, and strategic implications. This development aligns with the IISS's earlier assessment, confirming... Continue Reading →

Advent Martı Command and Control System Integrated Into Turkish Coast Guard Aircraft

Havelsan announced yesterday that it has successfully integrated its Advent Martı Command and Control System into the TCSG-553 aircraft of the Turkish Coast Guard Command. The TCSG-553 was originally equipped with Thales AMASCOS (Airborne Maritime Situation & Control System) and was commissioned under the Meltem II program in 2013. This program involved the integration of... Continue Reading →

War in the Black Sea Forces Dutch Navy to Redefine HNLMS Den Helder’s Trials

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has many consequences. most are very apparent some are not so. The Royal Netherlands Navy is suffering from one of the disguised consequences of the war in the Black Sea. They cannot perform the acceptance trials of their latest combat support ship, HNLMS Den Helder, in the Black Sea as... Continue Reading →

Pioneering the Depths Part 3: Turkey’s Indigenous Submarine Ambitions

The MILDEN project marks the third and most ambitious phase in Turkey’s submarine strategy, focusing on developing an advanced, fully indigenous submarine capable of next-generation operations. This project serves as the cornerstone of Turkey’s submarine capabilities, equipping the nation to design, build, and deploy complex underwater systems. Building on advancements in unmanned systems and compact... Continue Reading →

Pioneering the Depths Part 2: Turkey’s Small Manned Submarine Projects

Turkey’s exploration of small manned submarines represents the second key area of its underwater projects. These submarines, while compact, provide strategic versatility in tasks ranging from tactical warfare to special operations, supporting Turkey’s broader submarine development ambitions. The Turkish Navy has pursued two prominent projects in the small manned submarine category: the multipurpose mini-submarine MPMS... Continue Reading →

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