Türkiye advances naval power with MILDEN, TF-2000, National Aircraft Carrier projects

Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense (MoD) has announced significant progress in its ambitious naval projects, including the National Submarine (MILDEN), the TF-2000 Air Defense Destroyer and the National Aircraft Carrier (MUGEM).

These developments mark a critical step in strengthening Türkiye’s maritime capabilities on a global scale.

Construction of 31 ship currently underway in shipyards

The ministry reported that the construction of 31 ships is currently underway in domestic shipyards, aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency, modernization and global reach of the Turkish Navy.

According to MoD Press and Public Relations Advisor Brigadier General Zeki Akturk, “The construction of MILDEN began with the first weld at Golcuk Naval Shipyard, while the initial steel cutting for both the TF-2000 Air Defense Destroyer and the National Aircraft Carrier took place at Istanbul Naval Shipyard.”

Footage reveals first sheet metal cuts of Türkiye's TF-2000 air defense destroyer, national aircraft carrier, MUGEM, and national submarine, MILDEN, at Istanbul Shipyard Command https://t.co/BkafdB0L5u pic.twitter.com/0UNf6KunGz

— Türkiye Today (@turkiyetodaycom) January 2, 2025

Akturk highlighted that these projects are designed to expand Türkiye’s maritime presence across not only Blue Homeland but also strategic seas and oceans worldwide.

MILDEN: National Submarine Program

To meet the Turkish Naval Forces’ long-term requirements for attack submarines in the 2030s and beyond, the MILDEN Project was initiated.

This ambitious program aims to design and construct Türkiye’s first fully indigenous submarine, utilizing the expertise and infrastructure gained during the Reis Class construction.

Key milestones and design details:

• Launch and development: The MILDEN project began on April 14, 2010, under the coordination of the Turkish Naval Research Center Command (ARMERKOM) since 2012.
• Design approval: The Concept Design phase was completed and approved in January 2022.
• Technical features: The MILDEN submarines will have a surface displacement of 2,700 tons, a length exceeding 80 meters, and an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system powered by six Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell modules, methanol-reformer systems, and lithium-ion batteries.
• Weapon systems: Eight 533mm torpedo tubes capable of launching AKYA National heavyweight submarine-launched torpedoes (HWTs), Sub-ATMACA anti-ship missiles, and GEZGIN submarine-launched cruise missiles.
• Sonar and sensor suite: Equipped with indigenous low-frequency flank array, bow array, and towed array sonar systems, along with advanced radar systems.

The MILDEN Project represents not just an expansion of Türkiye’s naval capabilities but also a leap towards self-reliance in defense technology.

With the integration of advanced propulsion systems, indigenous sonar technologies, and a versatile weapons suite, MILDEN submarines are poised to set a new benchmark in underwater warfare in the region.