Looking ahead, the Reis class paves the way for fully indigenous designs under MILDEN, potentially including nuclear propulsion by the 2030s.
The Turkish Navy’s Type 214 Reis-class submarine represents a pivotal advancement in Turkey’s push to both expand and enhance its undersea warfare capabilities. As part of the New Type Submarine Project (YTDP), these air-independent propulsion (AIP) diesel-electric submarines are license-built versions of Germany’s renowned Type 214 platform, tailored for Turkey’s navy.
With their stealth design and advanced capabilities—at a surprisingly competitive cost—the Reis-class subs are poised to transform the Turkish fleet, bolstering Ankara’s national defense in an increasingly contested maritime environment while allowing for significant enhancements in Turkey’s power projection.
The History of Turkey’s Advanced Submarine Program
Beginning in December 2006, Turkey’s Undersecretariat for Defense Industries issued a request for proposals to modernize its aging submarine fleet. After evaluating bids from international contenders, like France’s DCNS and Spain’s Navantia, Turkey selected a German-British consortium led by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW, now part of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems) in July 2008. Negotiations culminated in a €2.06 billion contract signed in June 2011, committing to the construction of six submarines at Gölcük Naval Shipyard.
Initially dubbed the Cerbe-class, the project was renamed Reis-class in 2014 to honor Ottoman admirals—not only symbolizing Turkey’s naval heritage but further hinting at the desire of Turkey’s leaders to restore Ankara’s position as the dominant power in the Middle East, as it was in the Ottoman days. Turkish defense firms, such as ASELSAN, HAVELSAN, and STM played crucial roles as subcontractors, ensuring high local content and technology transfer.
The Reis-Class Submarine’s Specifications
- Year Introduced: 2024
- Number Built: 1 (5 under construction or undergoing sea trials)
- Length: 68.5 m (225 ft)
- Beam (Width): 6.3 m (20 ft 8 in)
- Displacement: 1,860 tons surfaced; 2,000+ tons submerged
- Engines: Diesel-electric engines; AIP powerplant, using polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells
- Top Speed: 20 knots (23 mph)
- Range:
- 12,000 nmi (14,000 mi; 22,000 km) surfaced at slow speeds
- 420 nmi (480 mi; 780 km) submerged
- Armaments: Six 533mm torpedo tubes capable of firing heavyweight torpedoes; anti-ship missiles; naval mines; possible future integration with Gezgin submarine-launched cruise missiles
- Crew: 40
Construction on the submarines is taking place in specialized hangars at Gölcük, with material packages supplied by HDW. Delays have pushed the timeline back, but the program aligns with Turkey’s broader defense industrialization efforts, paving the way for indigenous projects, like MILDEN (National Submarine). It’s basically a steppingstone toward greater self-sufficiency for Turkey. By commissioning these vessels, Turkey aims to replace its 12 old Type 209 submarines, expanding the fleet to 18 vessels by 2029.
Equipped for multirole missions, the Reis-class excels in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and special forces insertions. The AIP technology onboard drastically enhances endurance, allowing littoral and deep-sea operations in contested waters like the Aegean and Black Seas. Low-noise propulsion ensures “ghost-like” stealth, making detection challenging for adversaries.
These capabilities position the Reis-class as a versatile asset for Turkey’s asymmetric naval strategy.
Why Is Turkey Investing in Advanced Submarines?
In the context of regional tensions, the Reis-class submarines significantly bolster Turkey’s maritime deterrence. They counterbalance potential threats from Greece, Russia, and others in the Eastern Mediterranean, supporting Turkey’s “Blue Homeland” concept of extended territorial claims. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s emphasis on a “strong and effective navy” underscores their importance for securing trade routes and energy resources.
The current lead boat of the Reis class, the TCG Piri Reis (S-330), was launched in 2019, underwent sea trials in 2022, and commissioned in August of last year at Aksaz Naval Base. TCG Hizir Reis (S-331) was launched in 2023 and is slated for commissioning this year, while TCG Murat Reis (S-332) first hit the water in May 2025. The remaining three submarines in this class—Oruç Reis, Selman Reis, and Yavuz Reis—will follow by 2029. This phased rollout ensures a steady infusion of advanced assets into the fleet.
Looking ahead, the Reis class paves the way for fully indigenous designs under MILDEN, potentially including nuclear propulsion by the 2030s. As Turkey emerges as a submarine powerhouse, these vessels will redefine regional power dynamics.
Turkey’s Type 214 Reis-class submarines exemplify the country’s naval ambitions, blending German expertise with domestic innovation to create a stealthy, enduring force multiplier. From its AIP-driven design to versatile armaments, the Reis class equips the Turkish Navy for twenty-first century challenges.
As more units join the fleet, the Reis-class will not only enhance operational reach but will symbolize Turkey’s rise as a Mediterranean, Black, and Aegean Seas power. With ongoing developments, the future of Turkish submarine warfare looks formidable.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest. Recently, Weichert became the host of The National Security Hour on America Outloud News and iHeartRadio, where he discusses national security policy every Wednesday at 8pm Eastern. He is also a contributor at Popular Mechanics and has consulted regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including The Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, The Asia Times, and others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Shutterstock / acsen.
