Turkish Naval Ambitions Realized: Construction of MİLDEN Submarine and Carrier Starts.

According to information published by the Turkish Ministry of Defense on January 2, 2025, Turkey has initiated the construction of three significant naval platforms: the MİLDEN (Millî Denizaltı) submarine, the TF-2000 Air Defense Warfare Destroyer, and the MUGEM-class National Aircraft Carrier.
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A model of the future Mugem-class aircraft carrier at SAHA 2024, Istanbul. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The MİLDEN submarine represents Turkey's first indigenous submarine design. Construction began at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard, with the initial welding completed in early 2025. The submarine is designed to be over 80 meters in length, with a surface displacement of approximately 2,700 tons. It will feature an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, enhancing its underwater endurance and stealth capabilities. The MİLDEN is expected to be equipped with advanced indigenous weaponry, including AKYA heavyweight torpedoes, ATMACA anti-ship missiles, and GEZGİN land-attack cruise missiles. The construction, installation, and testing phases are projected to be completed by 2031.

The TF-2000 destroyer is a multi-role vessel with a primary focus on air defense. Construction commenced at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard. The ship is designed to be 149 meters in length, with a beam of 21.3 meters and a draft of 5.75 meters, resulting in a displacement of approximately 8,300 tons. Powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, it is expected to achieve speeds exceeding 26 knots. The TF-2000 will be equipped with 96 vertical launch system (VLS) cells, capable of deploying a variety of surface-to-air missiles, including the long-range SIPER missiles. Additionally, it will feature an indigenous 127mm main gun, ATMACA anti-ship missiles, 324mm ORKA lightweight torpedoes, and advanced electronic warfare systems.

The MUGEM-class represents Turkey's ambition to develop a fully indigenous aircraft carrier. Construction began at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard. The carrier is designed to be 285 meters in length, with a beam of 72 meters and a draft of 10.1 meters, resulting in a displacement of approximately 60,000 tons. It will utilize a Combined Gas Turbine and Gas Turbine (COGAG) propulsion system, enabling speeds over 25 knots. The flight deck is planned to support Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) operations, with provisions for future conversion to Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) configurations. The carrier is expected to accommodate up to 50 aircraft, including naval variants of the HÜRJET light combat aircraft, Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned combat aerial vehicles, and TAI ANKA-3 unmanned jet fighters. Armaments will include a 32-cell MIDLAS vertical launching system and multiple close-in weapon systems for self-defense.

An aspect of these programs is their reliance on indigenous technologies. Turkey’s defense industry, led by firms like ASELSAN, Roketsan, and TAI, has demonstrated its capability to develop world-class systems, from advanced radar and missile systems to unmanned platforms. This reduces dependency on foreign suppliers, an increasingly critical consideration given the unpredictable nature of international arms trade and sanctions regimes.