Turkey launched the third submarine "Murat Reis"

On 29 May at the Gölcük shipyard Donanma Tersanesi, a third Turkish submarine Type 214TN — TCG was launched Murat Reis (S 332). This unit has been part of the six-ship construction program of the series under the German license thyssenkrupp Marine Systems for more than a decade.

The rollout of the hull from the assembly hall took place in June 2024. Since then, work has been underway to prepare the unit for launching and future shipbuilding trials. The process of leaving alone the water vessel was constructed using a floating dock.

Technical and operational characteristics Murat Reis

214TN is a Turkish export variety of German Type 214, equipped with air-independent drive (AIP) based on fuel cells with PEM polymer membrane. The hull length is 68.35 m, and the underwater displacement is 2042 tonnes. The ship reaches a speed of over 20 knots in immersion and can operate at a depth of up to 300 meters. The crew on the unit will be 27 sailors.

The weapon includes eight 533 mm caliber launchers from which heavy torpedoes DM2A4 and Mk 48 Mod 6AT are to be fired and anti-ship missiles UGM-84 Harpoon. Planned is replacing imported armaments of national production systems – Roketsan Akya torpedoes and Atmaca anti-ship missiles.

Industrial cooperation and programme progress

The program, initiated formally by the signing of the agreement on July 2, 2009, assumed the transfer of the first ship in the mid-20s. In the course of implementation, delays stemming from the need to modernise the Gölcük shipyard infrastructure Donanma Tersanesi and to adapt production capacity were incurred.

Ship construction is carried out in Turkey with an important share of the national defence industry. In addition to the main contractor – the naval shipyard in Gölcük – companies such as ASELSAN, HAVELSAN, STM, TÜBİTAK and MilSOFT are involved in the project. Component share local increases with subsequent units of the series, which is part of a wider policy of technological independence.

Operational context

Launched Murat Reis is the third unit in the planned series of six units. First ship – Piri Reis – he was already in service, and the other – Hizir Reis – is being tested by sea. The remaining three units are assumed to enter the line by the end of 2027, replacing partially the fleet of older ships of type 209.

The introduction of the OOP type 214TN increases the operational capabilities of the Turkish Navy, especially in the area of secretive activities and expedition operations. The use of air-independent propulsion (AIP) enables multi-day immersing patrols without needing to emerge, which is important in conditions of enhanced surveillance of the eastern part Mediterranean, the waters around Cyprus and the Aegean Sea.

Turkish submarine programme 214TN can be seen as an example of systematic capacity building with a regional dimension. Ships of this series not only increase the combat potential of the war fleet, but also represent an important step towards preparing industry for future tasks – including the native submarine program MILDEN, planned for the mid-30s of the 21st century.

Turkey therefore forms part of a group of countries, who deliberately invest in underwater capacity as part of a broader strategy of deterrence and projection of forces in waters of strategic importance to the country.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz

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