Turkey’s defense industry is preparing to take a historic step in maritime technology. Building on its achievements with the MİLGEM (National Ship) and MİLDEN (National Submarine) programs, the Turkish Naval Forces has officially declared its ambition to construct a nuclear-powered submarine. Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, revealed in an international interview that “we are building an independent, fully indigenous submarine — a national aspiration of 139 years. After MİLDEN, we will take a major step toward nuclear-powered submarines.”

This marks the first time a senior Turkish naval official has publicly confirmed the country’s intent to pursue nuclear propulsion in submarines — a milestone that could elevate Turkey into an elite group of nations capable of producing such advanced platforms.

Defense analyst Devrim Yaylalı highlighted that once achieved, this project would place Turkey among the very few nations — including the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, and India — that can independently design, build, and maintain nuclear-powered submarines. Yaylalı explained that these vessels can operate for months without surfacing, offering near-unlimited endurance and global reach, and would provide Turkey with unmatched strategic flexibility in regions such as the Eastern Mediterranean, the Black Sea, and the Indian Ocean.

However, developing such technology is a formidable challenge. It requires advanced reactor design expertise, nuclear engineering infrastructure, radiation shielding technologies, and highly trained personnel. Although Turkey has experience in nuclear research and energy, it currently lacks the full industrial base to produce a naval-class reactor. Experts suggest that Ankara may pursue technology transfer or international partnerships to accelerate this effort.

Yaylalı emphasized that the project would not only strengthen Turkey’s defense capabilities but also enhance its global prestige and technological self-sufficiency. With strong political will, sustained investment, and a phased approach, experts believe that Turkey could eventually realize this vision. The initiative is also seen as a natural extension of the country’s “Blue Homeland” (Mavi Vatan) doctrine, which aims to secure Turkey’s influence and operational reach across surrounding seas.