In a significant declaration of intent, Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, announced Turkey’s plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines. This move aims to position Turkey among the elite group of nations operating such advanced naval platforms.
“For the past 139 years, our national goal has been to create a fully independent submarine that meets all our operational needs under our own control,” Admiral Tatlıoğlu stated. He emphasized that developing nuclear submarines is a critical milestone for Turkey’s strategic defense and long-term deterrence capabilities.
Admiral Tatlıoğlu highlighted that acquiring nuclear-powered submarines is essential for Turkey’s vision of becoming a mid-scale power with global influence. He noted that such submarines would enhance the nation’s deterrence capabilities and allow for extended operations without the need to surface, providing a significant strategic advantage.
Currently, only six countries—the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, and India—operate nuclear-powered submarines. Turkey’s ambition to join this exclusive group underscores its commitment to expanding its naval capabilities and asserting a more prominent role on the global stage.
Turkey’s journey toward nuclear-powered submarines builds upon its ongoing efforts in indigenous submarine development. The MİLDEN (Milli Denizaltı) project represents the country’s initiative to design and construct submarines domestically, reducing reliance on foreign technology. The project aims to produce advanced submarines equipped with vertical launch systems and other modern features.
The Turkish Navy has already made strides with the Reis-class submarines, based on the German Type 214 design, incorporating air-independent propulsion systems. These submarines, constructed at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard, mark a significant step in enhancing Turkey’s undersea warfare capabilities.
Turkey’s civilian nuclear energy initiatives provide a foundation for its naval nuclear ambitions. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, under construction with assistance from Russia’s Rosatom, is expected to meet a substantial portion of Turkey’s electricity needs upon completion. Additionally, Turkey is exploring the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which could have applications in powering future nuclear submarines.
These developments in civilian nuclear technology not only contribute to Turkey’s energy independence but also lay the groundwork for the complex requirements of naval nuclear propulsion systems.
While the ambition to develop nuclear-powered submarines is clear, Turkey faces significant challenges in realizing this goal. Developing the necessary technology, infrastructure, and expertise for nuclear propulsion is a complex and resource-intensive endeavor. Moreover, ensuring compliance with international regulations and maintaining safety standards will be critical components of the program’s success.
