Turkey has begun construction of its first indigenously designed submarine, marking a significant milestone in Ankara’s drive to cut dependence on foreign defense suppliers.
Work on the National Submarine, known as MILDEN, is underway at the Gölcük Shipyard Command, following the recent launch of the TF-2000 naval air-defense destroyer program at Istanbul Shipyard Command.
The TF-2000 initiative forms part of Turkey’s broader ambition to field homegrown naval platforms under its Steel Dome multilayer air-defense architecture.
Turkey’s defense sector has seen rapid growth over the past 20 years, highlighted by recent contracts worth 275.9 billion lira ($6.5 billion) aimed at strengthening the Steel Dome system.
Ankara’s push mirrors a global trend of nations investing in domestic submarine programs to reinforce strategic independence.
South Korea continues expanding its KSS-III Dosan Ahn Chang-ho class, with construction of the sixth submarine underway and incorporating locally developed ballistic missiles.
India is advancing both its Kalvari-class diesel-electric submarines and more capable Arihant-class nuclear-powered boats as it builds its underwater deterrent.
Australia, meanwhile, is preparing to begin assembling its new attack-class submarines under SEA 1000, part of its long-term effort to replace the Collins-class fleet with next-generation diesel-electric vessels.
