The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) recently announced that construction of the first test block of the MİLDEN national submarine project had begun at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard Command.
The start of MİLDEN's construction made significant waves on Western defense news platforms. The U.S.-based Defence Post said the move marks an important stage in Türkiye's efforts to reduce foreign dependence.
The report noted that Türkiye's defense industry has experienced rapid growth over the past two decades. Defence Post highlighted that Türkiye's submarine initiative reflects the global trend of countries investing in indigenous submarines to strengthen strategic autonomy.
Belgium-based Army Recognition wrote that the submarine project reinforces Türkiye's more autonomous naval posture in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
Army Recognition devoted extensive coverage to MİLDEN's features. The report stated that MİLDEN will be more than 80 meters long, will be a modern attack submarine, and will be equipped with a special system allowing it to operate underwater for days without surfacing.
Thanks to this technology, the submarine will be able to move much more quietly and become harder to detect.
Army Recognition also noted that MİLDEN will be equipped with domestically produced AKYA torpedoes and Atmaca anti‑ship missiles, with the long‑range Gezgin cruise missile being considered for future integration. The report added that the entire combat management system, sonars, and other control technologies were developed in Türkiye.
According to Army Recognition, with MİLDEN, Türkiye will possess a submarine built with its own technology and gain a more resilient structure against foreign dependency. The report said MİLDEN will provide more covert and effective patrol capabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea, serving as a striking force against warships, submarines, and, if necessary, land targets.
Army Recognition stated that MİLDEN will strengthen Türkiye's position within NATO. According to the report, the submarine will increase Türkiye's regional deterrence and complicate the calculations of its rivals.
Emphasizing that progress in the MİLDEN program could impact the balance of power in the tension‑prone Eastern Mediterranean, Army Recognition added: "A Turkish fleet equipped with domestically designed submarines and air defense destroyers not only increases Ankara's weight within NATO but also draws the attention of neighboring navies. For Türkiye, this program represents both a turning point in building a navy with its own technological architecture and an important step toward establishing a lasting presence in surrounding seas and shaping regional security dynamics."
