Breaking News: Türkiye dives into nuclear submarine era with NUKDEN Reveal.

According to information published by TurDef on May 27, 2025, during the 12th Naval Systems Seminar in Istanbul, Rear Admiral Timur Yılmaz, Commander of the Turkish Submarine Fleet, officially announced that Türkiye’s future nuclear-powered submarine initiative will be named NUKDEN (for "Nükleer Denizaltı", which translates to "Nuclear Submarine"). This marks a major development in the Turkish Navy’s long-term strategy, transitioning from the National Submarine (MILDEN) program to an emphasis on nuclear propulsion as part of its maritime modernization.
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Rear Admiral Yılmaz stated that nuclear submarine capability has become essential to safeguard national security interests, bolster deterrence, extend operational reach, and provide support to carrier-led task groups. (Picture source: TurDef via X/Tugay Er)

The announcement reinforces statements previously made by Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, who outlined in an interview with Warships International Fleet Review that Türkiye would proceed with building nuclear-powered submarines as a strategic necessity. Tatlıoğlu emphasized the desire to achieve full design and production autonomy, describing nuclear submarine development as a continuation of the nation’s 139-year aspiration for indigenous naval platforms. Rear Admiral Yılmaz noted that current efforts include planning and research that aim to launch the NUKDEN project shortly after the completion of MILDEN, underlining the importance of coordinated action across all national capabilities.

Rear Admiral Yılmaz also highlighted Türkiye’s integration of academic institutions and defense industry stakeholders into the NUKDEN development process. Areas of focus include submarine construction, propulsion and power transmission systems, and nuclear propulsion technologies. Efforts also involve the design of indigenous combat systems and secure satellite communications, along with both manned and unmanned underwater platforms. According to Yılmaz, these collaborative efforts are considered a matter of national priority. Meanwhile, Turkish defense policy analyst Arda Mevlütoğlu has cautioned that nuclear submarine development presents complex challenges, particularly in nuclear reactor control, maintenance training, and underwater operation experience, noting that countries with indigenous nuclear submarine capabilities are generally permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Feasibility studies regarding the type of nuclear reactor for the NUKDEN class are still underway. The Naval Forces Journal has previously reported on Türkiye’s interest in molten salt reactors (MSRs) due to their compact size and maritime suitability. Technical analysis from Turkish Navy officers has emphasized MSRs’ potential role in overcoming traditional limitations of conventional submarines, including snorkel requirements and speed constraints. Nuclear propulsion allows extended submerged endurance and greater operational flexibility. Turkish naval publications also note that nuclear-powered submarines could enhance stealth capabilities and survivability in contested environments, especially under increased surveillance by drones and radar systems.

Although the NUKDEN represents a significant future shift, it does not replace the ongoing MILDEN program, which remains a core national initiative. Designed by ASFAT and the Turkish Navy’s Project Design Office, MILDEN is expected to be equipped with a lithium-ion battery-supported air-independent propulsion system, vertical launch systems, and a range of domestic weaponry. A model of MILDEN fitted with vertical launch cells was exhibited at SAHA EXPO 2024. Concurrently, Roketsan is adapting its MIDLAS vertical launch system for submarine integration. The first MILDEN submarines are projected for delivery by 2031, with discussions ongoing about a potential second-generation version incorporating nuclear propulsion based on the progress of the NUKDEN project.

The long-term foundation for nuclear submarine development is closely tied to Türkiye’s civilian nuclear energy strategy. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, being built by Russia’s Rosatom, is scheduled to become operational by 2028, with the first unit expected to go online in 2025. Additional nuclear power projects are under consideration with South Korea, Russia, and China, as Türkiye aims to reach 20 gigawatts of nuclear energy capacity by 2050. Parallel R&D efforts include small modular reactor (SMR) integration, which military publications have evaluated for both energy and naval use. The Navy’s assessments indicate that such technology could eventually support compact, submarine-appropriate reactor designs, enabling deployment without traditional logistical constraints.

Türkiye’s submarine fleet modernization has proceeded through various procurement and construction phases since the early 20th century. The latest milestone is the commissioning of the TCG PiriReis in 2024, part of the German Type 214-based Reis class, equipped with domestically developed fuel cells and advanced communication and sonar systems. These submarines, armed with Akya torpedoes, Atmaca and Gezgin missiles, and naval mines, enhance fleet capabilities while reducing platform age. With five more units under construction, this program will bridge the capability gap until the operational debut of MILDEN and subsequently NUKDEN. Gölcük Shipyard remains the central hub of submarine construction and will continue to serve as a strategic asset in the Navy’s long-term submarine development vision.