Turkey continues to make significant strides in national defense technologies, and one of the most remarkable advancements is the recent test firing conducted from the TCG Preveze submarine. In a historic first, the AKYA heavyweight torpedo—developed entirely with domestic capabilities—was launched using the indigenous MÜREN Combat Management System under the supervision of Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar. The successful strike marks a dual achievement for both the torpedo and the combat management system.

MÜREN represents a sophisticated combat management infrastructure developed entirely by Turkish scientists and engineers. Integrating data from 20 different sensors and navigation systems, MÜREN provides sonar signal processing, target motion analysis, torpedo route planning, and comprehensive navigation—all executed with national algorithms. Its integration into submarines is considered a major milestone in Turkey’s underwater warfare capabilities.

AKYA, on the other hand, is described as Turkey’s “smart underwater weapon” and stands as the maritime equivalent of the country’s high-speed, precision-guided missiles. With advanced guidance, high speed, and a powerful warhead, AKYA can engage both surface ships and submarines. The successful launch from TCG Preveze demonstrated the torpedo’s full operational readiness.

Naval and defense analyst Kozan Selçuk Erkan emphasized that this capability is possessed by only a handful of countries worldwide. He notes that Turkey can now fire both its indigenous torpedo and foreign torpedoes from its own combat management system—an ability that places Turkey beside nations such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. He highlights that even some submarine-producing countries in Europe do not use their own combat systems and torpedoes together.

One of the most critical strategic advantages lies in what Erkan calls the “element of surprise.” Previously, Turkey operated German torpedoes that were identical to those used by 18 other countries, including Greece, meaning their characteristics were widely known. However, AKYA introduces an entirely new, unknown profile—its seeker frequency, approach behavior, and depth algorithms are not accessible to adversaries. Combined with the undisclosed operational logic of the MÜREN system, this creates a powerful layer of unpredictability in underwater engagements.

Experts believe that the synergy between AKYA and MÜREN could position Turkey as a major player in the global submarine modernization market. If the system can be offered cost-effectively, Turkey may become one of the few countries capable of providing both a modern combat management system and an indigenous torpedo solution. Current modernization work on Pakistan’s older French submarines is viewed as a strong indicator of Turkey’s growing potential in this field.

Each successful test is considered another step toward Turkey’s fully indigenous submarine program. With MÜREN providing the “brain” and AKYA delivering the “strike power,” Turkey is laying the foundation for complete underwater independence—an achievement regarded as a historical turning point.