Atılay-class submarine (2025)
The Atılay class, developed under the project name MİLDEN, is a class of air-independent propulsion attack submarines currently under construction for the Turkish Navy.
The project represents Turkey's first indigenous submarine design and development program, intended to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for critical naval platforms. The lead boat of the class, Atılay, began construction at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard in late 2025.
Development
The MİLDEN project was initiated to achieve strategic autonomy in submarine technology, following the experience gained by the Turkish defense industry through the licensed production of the Reis-class submarine submarines. The project is managed by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense and the Presidency of Defense Industries, with primary design and construction executed by Gölcük Naval Shipyard and engineering support from STM.The concept design phase was completed in 2022, after which the project moved into the detailed design phase. The design process involved extensive contributions from Turkish defense contractors, including Aselsan, Roketsan, and Havelsan.
Construction of the first test block for the lead submarine commenced in late 2024, with the official hull-laying and naming ceremony taking place in December 2025. The class was named Atılay in honor of TCG Atılay, the leading vessel of the first class of submarines that were assembled at the shipyards of the Republic of Turkey in the 1930s.
Design
The Atılay class is significantly larger than the preceding Reis class, with a displacement of approximately 2,700 tons surfaced and a length exceeding 80 meters.Propulsion
The submarines utilize a diesel-electric propulsion system augmented by an Air-independent propulsion system. This system allows the submarine to operate submerged for extended periods without snorkeling, significantly reducing its acoustic signature and vulnerability to detection. The indigenous AIP solution is reported to utilize proton-exchange membrane fuel cell technology, potentially integrated with a methanol reformer system and Lithium-ion batteries.Systems and Sensors
The Atılay class features a fully indigenous sensor suite and command infrastructure:- Combat Management System : The vessels are equipped with a national CMS, likely an evolution of the MÜREN or GENESIS/ADVENT systems adapted for underwater warfare.
- Sonar: Developed by Aselsan, the suite includes a bow sonar, flank array sonar, and a towed array sonar for long-range passive detection.
- Optronics: A non-penetrating optronic mast replaces the traditional optical periscope.
Armament
The class is designed with heavy firepower capabilities, exceeding those of previous Turkish Navy submarines.- Torpedoes: Eight 533mm torpedo tubes capable of launching the indigenous Roketsan Akya heavyweight torpedo.
- Missiles: The submarines can fire the Atmaca anti-ship missile.
- Land Attack: Future integration of the Gezgin long-range cruise missile is planned to provide deep-strike strategic deterrence.
- Vertical Launch System : Design models and defense exhibitions have suggested the inclusion of a MiDLAS vertical launching system module for launching cruise missiles, though the final configuration of the first hull is subject to confirmation.
Ships in class
The first ship of the class was named Atılay in December 2025.| Name | Hull number | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Status |
| TCG Atılay | Gölcük Naval Shipyard | 2025 | Planned 2030s | Under construction |