Turkey has started building its first domestically developed submarine, signaling a major step in Ankara’s push to reduce reliance on foreign defense technology.
Construction of the National Submarine, named MILDEN, has commenced at the Gölcük Shipyard Command, following the recent start of the TF-2000 naval air defense destroyer project at Istanbul Shipyard Command, according to a report by Daily Sabah.
The TF-2000 is part of Ankara’s broader effort to develop homegrown naval platforms under its Steel Dome multilayered air defense system.
Turkey’s defense industry has expanded rapidly over the past two decades, signing 275.9 billion Turkish lira ($6.5 billion) in contracts last week alone to enhance the Steel Dome air defense system.
Other Countries’ Indigenous Submarine Programs
Turkey’s move mirrors a global trend of nations investing in domestically built submarines to bolster strategic autonomy.
South Korea is advancing its KSS-III Dosan Ahn Chang-ho-class submarines, with the sixth vessel under construction and equipped with domestically developed ballistic missile capabilities.
India has also continued work on its Kalvari-class submarines and the more advanced nuclear-powered Arihant-class, aiming to expand its underwater deterrent fleet.
Meanwhile, Australia is preparing to begin assembly of the attack-class submarines under the SEA 1000 program, after years of planning to replace its aging Collins-class boats with next-generation diesel-electric models.
