Turkey’s top naval commander has announced the country’s intention to eventually build nuclear-powered submarines, a move aimed at enhancing long-term deterrence and projecting power globally, though significant technological and technological and financial hurdles remain.
In a recent interview with Warships International Fleet Review, Adm. Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, stressed that acquiring nuclear-powered submarines is “essential for our long-term submarine deterrence capability and vision of being a mid-scale power with global influence.”
This statement marks Turkey’s boldest maritime ambition to date, putting it on a path toward joining a highly exclusive group of nations operating nuclear-powered submarines, such as the US, Russia, China, France, the UK and India.
Strategic ambitions and force projection
Military analysts note that nuclear-powered submarines are not just stealth platforms: They are also instruments of global influence.
Their near-limitless endurance and high speed make them ideal for power projection far beyond national waters.
This ambition aligns with Turkey’s broader naval goals, including the construction of an indigenous aircraft carrier following the deployment of the TCG Anadolu amphibious assault ship.
Nuclear-powered submarines differ fundamentally from the diesel-electric and air-independent propulsion (AIP) models currently used by the Turkish Navy.
Unlike conventional submarines that must surface or use snorkels to recharge batteries, nuclear submarines can remain submerged for months, enabling them to travel faster and farther without detection.
Cem Devrim Yaylalı, who interviewed Adm. Tatlıoğlu, noted that nuclear submarines are viewed as a powerful tool for force projection, enhancing a nation’s diplomatic influence and global standing.
According to Rear Adm. Ahmet İşçi, writing in the Turkish navy’s official monthly, Turkey’s future submarines may follow design principles seen in US Navy vessels like the Virginia class — attack submarines equipped with Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) for cruise missiles.
These submarines are smaller and more versatile than nuclear-armed ballistic missile subs, making them ideal for anti-ship and land-attack operations.
From AIP to nuclear: Turkey’s industrial path
Turkey’s most advanced submarines, the Reis-class (based on the German Type 214 design with significant local modifications and AIP), can remain submerged for up to 14 days without surfacing. This marks a significant advancement in Turkish submarine construction at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard.
The next step is the MİLDEN project (Milli Denizaltı), a fully indigenous design under development. The initial versions may use advanced batteries and AIP, but defense experts suggest that nuclear propulsion could be integrated in later iterations.
Civilian nuclear infrastructure as a stepping stone
Turkey is pursuing civilian nuclear power, with the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant currently under construction by Russia’s Rosatom, and has plans for additional plants.
The Akkuyu facility and planned Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) provide a civilian-industrial base that may support nuclear submarine efforts.
Some Turkish analysts argue that SMRs could eventually be adapted for naval propulsion, though the leap from civilian to naval reactor design remains significant.
Additionally, research is actively being conducted to explore technologies such as Molten Salt Reactors, which could offer innovative solutions for future energy needs.
Turkish military circles have also considered the potential naval applications of SMRs, particularly for future submarines.
Key hurdles
Despite the long-term vision, major challenges remain. Nuclear submarine development requires mastery of naval-grade reactor technology, radiation safety, specialized materials and a highly trained workforce, none of which Turkey currently possesses.
According to former naval officer Fatih Yurtsever, Turkey’s naval command structure was significantly weakened after a coup attempt in 2016, when over 90 percent of experienced personnel were dismissed.
This brain drain remains a major roadblock to advanced projects like nuclear submarines.
Moreover, building nuclear submarines will likely raise concerns within NATO and among regional neighbors like Greece.
It may also invite scrutiny from international nuclear non-proliferation bodies, especially if Turkey insists on a fully indigenous development path.
Upgrading shipbuilding facilities like Gölcük for nuclear construction will require significant investment. This includes creating specialized areas for reactor production and handling radioactive materials.
Analysts suggest that overcoming the technological learning curve will likely require international partnerships or technology transfer agreements, though this could conflict with Turkey’s goal of achieving self-reliance.
While Turkey’s ambitions are bold and strategically significant, the path to nuclear submarine capability is fraught with technological, economic and diplomatic complexity.
Achieving this vision will require not only massive investment and international partnerships but also the rebuilding of domestic expertise lost in recent years.
For now, Turkey’s goal remains aspirational, but it marks a clear signal of the country’s evolving maritime and geopolitical ambitions.