Türkiye has achieved a new milestone in naval warfare capability with the successful launch of the “Capsule ATMACA” missile from the TCG PREVEZE submarine. Developed indigenously by ROKETSAN, the submarine-launched ATMACA represents a major leap forward — granting Türkiye the ability to strike from beneath the sea, a capability held by only a handful of nations worldwide.

Unlike conventional ship-launched missiles, the submarine version of ATMACA is encased in a pressurized capsule that allows it to be fired from underwater. Once it reaches the surface, the missile ignites its engine and homes in on its target, all while allowing the submarine to remain hidden. This feature provides a powerful new deterrent, especially across strategic waters such as the Black Sea, Aegean, and Eastern Mediterranean.

Defense analyst Kozan Selçuk Erkan described the event as “the culmination of years of research and development,” noting that the system was first tested in TÜBİTAK SAGE’s Submarine Test Infrastructure before being approved for operational trials. Erkan emphasized that Türkiye has now replaced U.S.-made Harpoon missiles with an entirely indigenous, scalable, and customizable system, marking a turning point in naval independence.

What makes this achievement especially significant is its unpredictability. Neighboring fleets use largely known Western or Russian-origin systems, which makes their technical parameters and countermeasures familiar. The Capsule ATMACA, however, is a completely Turkish design — its range, flight profile, and guidance details remain undisclosed, introducing an element of strategic ambiguity. Analysts highlight this as Ankara’s new “surprise power” in maritime defense.

Beyond its operational impact, ATMACA’s export potential is drawing attention. Türkiye has already modernized French-origin submarines in Pakistan and could offer the Capsule ATMACA as part of future submarine upgrade packages to friendly nations. The system thus not only strengthens Türkiye’s Blue Homeland (Mavi Vatan) doctrine but also enhances its position as a competitive defense exporter.

With potential integration into Türkiye’s upcoming MİLDEN-class submarines, longer-range variants are also on the horizon. The successful underwater launch of ATMACA cements Türkiye’s place among global naval powers, demonstrating that the nation’s defense industry is capable of both innovation and strategic foresight.