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Breaking News: Türkiye launches third Reis-class attack submarine TCG Muratreis in major naval expansion step.
According to information published by the Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB) on its official X account on May 29, 2025, the Turkish Navy has launched TCG MURATREİS (S-332), the third submarine of the Reis-class, a modern air-independent propulsion (AIP) attack submarine developed under the New Type Submarine Project (Yeni Tip Denizaltı Projesi – YTNM). The launch marks a major milestone in Turkey’s ongoing efforts to expand and modernize its undersea warfare fleet. The submarine has now entered the testing and sea trials phase and is scheduled to be commissioned in 2026.
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The Turkish Navy officially launched its third Reis-class submarine, TCG Muratreis (S-332), during a ceremony held at Gölcük Naval Shipyard on May 29, 2025. The launch represents a key step in Turkey’s New Type Submarine Project aimed at modernizing its undersea warfare fleet. (Picture source: SSB)
The Reis-class submarines are Turkey’s customized version of the German Type 214 submarine, designated Type 214TN. These are diesel-electric attack submarines equipped with advanced AIP systems, making them capable of extended submerged operations with low acoustic signatures. The program was officially initiated through a contract signed on July 2, 2009, between the Turkish Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) and a German consortium consisting of Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW), part of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, and MarineForce International LLP. Valued at approximately €2.06 billion, the agreement entered into force on June 22, 2011. The project calls for the construction of six advanced submarines at Gölcük Naval Shipyard, integrating both foreign expertise and extensive domestic industrial participation.
The development phase emphasizes Turkey's ambition for defense industrial autonomy, with significant contributions from leading national companies such as ASELSAN, HAVELSAN, STM, AYESAŞ, TÜBİTAK, KoçSavunma, and MilSOFT. These companies are responsible for critical systems including combat management, sensor integration, electronic warfare, data processing, and command control architecture. The construction process is also designed to facilitate a gradual transfer of technology from Germany to Turkey.
TCG MURATREİS (S-332) is preceded by TCG Piri Reis (S-330), the lead boat of the class, which was commissioned into active service on August 24, 2024. The second boat, TCG Hızır Reis (S-331), was launched in May 2023 and is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2025. The remaining units—TCG Aydın Reis (S-333), TCG Seydi Ali Reis (S-334), and TCG Selman Reis (S-335)—are currently under construction and will follow in successive years, aiming for full operational capability of the class by 2029.
The Reis-class submarines integrate advanced Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems based on PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell technology, enabling prolonged underwater operations for up to 20 days without the need for snorkeling. This feature significantly enhances the platform’s stealth characteristics and endurance, making it ideal for covert operations in contested waters. Each submarine has a full length of approximately 68.3 meters, a beam of 6.3 meters, and a submerged displacement of around 2,000 tons. The boats are capable of diving beyond 400 meters and can reach underwater speeds of more than 20 knots. The hull and propulsion design are optimized for low acoustic signature, making them difficult to detect with conventional sonar systems.
In terms of armament, the Reis-class is equipped with eight 533 mm torpedo tubes. These can launch heavyweight torpedoes such as the indigenous ROKETSAN Akya, as well as UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles. The class is also planned to receive integration of Turkey’s next-generation Atmaca anti-ship missile and Gezgin long-range land attack cruise missile, significantly expanding its strike envelope. Additionally, the submarines are capable of laying naval mines. The platform features an advanced Integrated Combat Management System (CMS), jointly developed by HAVELSAN and STM, along with state-of-the-art sonar and periscope systems. Sensor suites include flank arrays, active-passive sonar systems, ESM/ELINT capability, and modern navigation tools based on inertial and GPS-assisted technologies.
With the addition of TCG MURATREİS, the Turkish Navy now operates a total of 13 active submarines. The fleet includes two Atilay-class (Type 209/1200), four Preveze-class (Type 209/1400), four Gür-class (Type 209/1400), and one commissioned Reis-class submarine. This mix of platforms provides the Turkish Navy with a balanced capability for both legacy and next-generation undersea operations, supporting missions ranging from coastal defense to long-range deterrence.
Additionally, Turkey is advancing the MILDEN (Milli Denizaltı) program—a national project to develop an entirely indigenous class of AIP-powered submarines. Construction of the first MILDEN-class submarine began on January 2, 2025, at Gölcük Naval Shipyard, with operational deployment targeted for the 2030s. The MILDEN initiative underscores Turkey’s long-term vision for strategic autonomy and indigenous defense innovation.
The launch of TCG MURATREİS not only enhances the Turkish Navy’s operational strength but also signals Turkey’s progress in building a technologically advanced, self-reliant defense infrastructure. By fielding a new generation of AIP submarines with enhanced stealth, extended endurance, and multirole armament capability, Turkey is significantly reinforcing its deterrence posture in the Eastern Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas.
A strong submarine fleet offers Turkey not only strategic depth but also asymmetric advantage in contested maritime regions. In times of tension, submarines provide invisible presence and credible strike capabilities, while in peacetime they serve as a silent guarantor of sovereignty. The Reis-class project, and particularly the launch of its third vessel, is therefore a cornerstone in Turkey’s long-term maritime doctrine and a reflection of its growing status as a regional naval power.