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 →
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 →
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 →
Seventy-two years ago today, the Turkish Navy suffered its greatest peacetime loss when the submarine TCG Dumlupınar (formerly USS Blower) sank at Nara Point in the Çanakkale Strait. TCG Dumlupınar and her sister boat, TCG 1. İnönü, were returning from a NATO exercise when, at 02:15, the Swedish-flagged merchant ship M/V Naboland collided with TCG... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
Turkey’s ambitious submarine development program underscores its commitment to achieving naval self-sufficiency and advancing technological expertise. This multi-tiered strategy encompasses autonomous systems, small manned submarines, and the indigenous MILDEN submarine project, each with a distinct purpose and targeted capabilities. As Turkey builds upon its defense and maritime industry, these initiatives illustrate the drive toward greater... Continue Reading →
The Mavi Balina-24 Invitation Exercise is a biennial anti-submarine warfare invitation exercise hosted by Turkey. This year, it will take place in the Eastern Mediterranean from November 4 to 15, 2024. The Turkish Naval Forces will join the exercise with a diverse range of assets: 5 submarines, 3 frigates, 2 corvettes, 1 to 2 patrol... Continue Reading →
TCG Alemdar, the submarine rescue ship of the Turkish Navy set sail to Norway on 19 August 2024. The ship will take part in the NATO submarine escape and rescue exercise Dynamic Monarc 2024. TCG Alemdar was designed from the keel as a submarine rescue ship for Turkish Navy. She will be able to provide... Continue Reading →
Turkish Navy conducted the Kurtaran 2024 exercise between 24 and 30 April 2024 near Aksaz Naval Base. This annual exercise is focused on conserving and honing the skill of rescuing submerged disabled submarines (DISSUB) sitting at the bottom of the sea. I think the scenarios applied in this year's Kurtaran exercise are very similar to... Continue Reading →
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