First National Attack Submarine: Türkiye Completes STM500 Pressure Hull Test.

According to a PR published by STM on October 23, 2024, the test production of the pressure hull for Türkiye’s first special operations and attack submarine, the STM500, has been successfully completed. The STM500’s pressure hull, a vital component of the submarine, is being showcased at SAHA EXPO 2024, making it the first time a privately-owned Turkish company has manufactured the pressure hull sections of a military submarine domestically.
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The STM500's pressure hull at SAHA EXPO 24 in Istanbul. (Picture source: STM)

STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş., a leader in the Turkish defense sector under the Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB), has achieved this feat as part of its mission to develop the country's naval capabilities.

The production of the STM500 pressure hull began in June 2022 at the facilities of TEKFEN İmalat ve Mühendislik A.Ş. and has successfully passed all quality control processes.

The STM500 submarine is designed for a range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, special operations, and submarine warfare. With a 30-day deployment capability and the capacity to carry eight Special Forces personnel in addition to a 22-person crew, it is optimized for both shallow and deep water operations. The STM500 will also be equipped with heavy-weight torpedoes and guided missiles, making it a formidable addition to Türkiye's naval fleet.

The STM500’s potential goes beyond national defense. According to Güleryüz, the submarine has garnered interest from international navies, particularly those operating in shallow waters.

In addition to the STM500 project, STM is involved in a range of other submarine projects, including the modernization of Ay-Class and Preveze-Class submarines for the Turkish Navy, as well as the modernization of Pakistan's Agosta 90B submarines.

STM

Recent engagements include showcasing technologies at major defense fairs such as Africa Aerospace and Defense 2024 in South Africa. Here, STM exhibited naval assets like the MILGEM Ada-class corvette and the STM500 small-sized submarine. These were displayed to numerous delegations, including high-level officials from South Africa, where STM has focused on promoting its naval and UAV systems. This effort highlights its growing presence in Africa.

In addition to South Africa, STM has ongoing projects in Azerbaijan and the Philippines. The company participated in the Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2024), where it presented naval assets and UAVs such as the KARGU loitering munition. STM’s role in these markets underscores its strategy of expanding into Asia, particularly with clients in the Philippines and Malaysia.