Construction of the future Turkish Reis class submarines takes next step.

According to a PR published by STM on July 13, 2022, Turkish Naval Forces Command has taken new deliveries of the "Torpedo Section" – the bow section of the submarine that houses the torpedo tubes which have been produced for the first time in Türkiye based on national means with STM engineering and coordination. The two “Section 50s” produced for Reis-class submarines will be integrated into TCG AYDINREİS and TCG SEYDİALİREİS.
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Torpedo Section of the future Turkish Reis class submarine (Picture source: STM)

Another critical stage has been reached in the Turkish Navy New Type Submarine Project, launched by the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) for one of the most active navies in the world, the Turkish Naval Forces.

New deliveries of the Torpedo Section are underway. Housing the torpedo tubes (main armaments) of the submarine, these bow sections are produced by only a few countries around the world.

The second and third batch deliveries of the “Torpedo Section” were concluded successfully – having been produced for the first time in Türkiye, with STM engineering and coordination and by Gürdesan Gemi Makinaları Sanayii Ticaret A.Ş., through indigenous and national means.

The first two “Torpedo Sections” produced for Reis-class submarines were delivered to Gölcük Naval Shipyard by sea. The second and third Torpedo Section sections produced and delivered in Türkiye will be integrated into TCG AYDINREİS and TCG SEYDİALİREİS. STM and Gürdesan delivered the first Torpedo Section, to be integrated into TCG MURATREİS, in September 2021.

One more Torpedo Section to be delivered by November 2022

The second Torpedo Section, to be integrated into TCG AYDINREİS was produced and delivered fully equipped under the coordination of STM, the first engineering company to acquire a submarine construction and modernization capability in Türkiye.

The third Torpedo Section has been mechanically processed and is ready to be integrated at Gölcük Naval Shipyard. Delivery of the fourth Torpedo Section, which is still in production, is planned for November 2022.

Firing capability of 8 torpedoes/guided missiles

The Torpedo Section is the most critical part of Reis-class submarines, which will be the most modern submarine platforms in the inventory of the Turkish Navy.

The sections house the main armaments and systems of the submarine, allowing the firing of torpedoes and/or guided missiles. The Torpedo Section produced allows Reis-class submarines to be armed with eight 533mm torpedo tubes.

The delivery of six Reis-class submarines is planned under the project. The section containing the torpedo tubes of the first two submarines was manufactured by the German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), who is the main contractor in the project.

The Torpedo Sections to be fitted to the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th submarines are being produced for the first time in Türkiye by the Gürdesan Company, with STM as the main subcontractor.

STM’s critical role in Reis-class submarines

STM is undertaking key roles in the production of Reis-class submarines. Having put its design competence and experience on the table for NTSP, STM is now handling the entire coordination of the project within the scope of the Torpedo Section.

Expert teams at STM are taking care of the construction plans, checking their assembly, getting them ready for delivery and keeping track of the delivery stages. Aside from the torpedo section, STM is also carrying out the design, engineering and system integration activities for the NTSP.

Contributing to the indigenisation efforts related to the construction materials of the ship and the installed devices/systems, STM is ensuring also the domestic production of submarine non-pressure tight hull blocks and various GRP (Composite Submarine Superstructure) units.

Turkish Navy New Type Submarine Project

Aiming to meet the requirements of the Turkish Navy, six Reis-class submarines meeting the criteria of the Submarine Operations Concept are being constructed with the maximum participation of Turkish industry, at Gölcük Naval Shipyard.

It is intended in the Turkish Navy New Type Submarine Project to commission by 2027 six submarines running on an air-independent propulsion system, capable of launching many types of torpedoes and missiles as well as laying mines, and equipped with armaments for engaging with underwater, surface and land targets.

Equipped with an Air-Independent Propulsion System (AIP), Reis-class submarines will have the ability to remain underwater for weeks at a time without surfacing.

These submarines, which boast low-noise navigation capabilities, will be able to operate covertly for long periods. The submarines are 68 meters in length, weigh over 2,000 tons and have a capacity of 40 personnel.

The first submarine in the project, TCG PİRİREİS, was built in Gölcük Naval Shipyard and was launched in March 2021. In the project, HIZIRREİS Submarine Transfering to Floating Dock and SELMANREİS Submarine First Welding Ceremony was held on May 23, 2022, with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The names of the Reis-class submarines that will serve Turkish Naval Forces Command are as follows: TCG PİRİREİS, TCG HIZIRREİS, TCG MURATREİS, TCG AYDINREİS, TCG SEYDİ ALİ REİS and TCG SELMANREİS.