The ACMB has been developed to enhance the Turkish Naval Forces’ operational capability in underwater intervention, diver training, and emergency maritime response. Unlike combat vessels, this platform is mission-equipment-centric, optimized for safe and sustained diving operations in coastal and near-shore environments.

Operational Purpose and Role

The ACMB fulfills three primary mission categories:

Emergency Response and Rescue Diving:

• Provides rapid response capability in cases such as grounding, hull damage, port accidents, or submerged object intervention.

Diver Training Platform:

• Enables practical, open-sea training for naval divers under controlled and medically supported conditions.

Transport and Support Missions:

• Can be used as a personnel and equipment transfer platform when required.

Its design aligns with naval support doctrine rather than frontline combat operations.

Doctrine and Concept of Operations

Underwater naval activities include mine countermeasure support, hull inspections, harbor security, and underwater damage assessment. The ACMB integrates:

• Safe dive planning infrastructure
• Fixed decompression chamber
• Breathing air compressor systems
• Acoustic monitoring capability

This integrated architecture ensures safe operations up to 90 meters depth, making it particularly effective for littoral and harbor-based missions.

Platform Architecture

The ACMB features a compact but mission-optimized layout:

• Main Propulsion: 2 × 1100 kW diesel engines
• Twin shaft propulsion system (locally produced)
• Ship Information Distribution System (local design)
• Fixed pressure/decompression chamber
• Diving control panels and breathing air systems

The hull incorporates a so-called axe-bow design, improving seakeeping performance and operational stability during training evolutions.

Survivability and Safety Approach

Although not a combat vessel, operational safety is central to the design:

• Onboard decompression chamber
• Controlled dive management systems
• Acoustic monitoring for underwater situational awareness

Armor protection or active defense systems are not publicly disclosed and are unlikely given its support role.

Role Against Modern Maritime Threats

While not a direct combat platform, the ACMB indirectly enhances naval resilience by supporting:

• Harbor protection missions
• Underwater inspection of critical infrastructure
• Rapid response to asymmetric underwater threats

Variants and Deliveries

• DALGIÇ-1 (Y-15)
• DALGIÇ-2 (Y-16)

Both vessels were commissioned on 23 August 2020. No additional variants are publicly confirmed.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Displacement

• Length: 35 meters
• Beam: 8 meters
• Draft: 2 meters
• Displacement: 260 tons

Propulsion System

• 2 × 1100 kW diesel engines
• Twin shaft propulsion
• Maximum speed: 16 knots

Performance

• Range: 140 nautical miles at 12 knots
• Operational diving depth support: up to 90 meters
• Crew: 6
• Trainees: 15

Diving and Support Systems

• Fixed decompression chamber
• Breathing air compressors
• Diving control panels
• Acoustic monitoring and detection system

Certain subsystem details are not publicly disclosed.

Classification

• Classed by Türk Loydu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ACMB used for?

• It is designed for emergency diving response, underwater rescue support, and practical diver training in naval operations.

What does 90 meters operational depth mean?

• It refers to the supported diving depth capability for training and intervention missions in coastal and near-shore environments.

Is it an armed vessel?

• No. The ACMB is a support and training platform, not a combat ship.

How many personnel can it carry?

• It accommodates 6 crew members and up to 15 trainees.

Is it fully indigenous?

• It has a 71% local content rate, with several mission-critical subsystems produced domestically.

Where is it typically deployed?

• Primarily in coastal waters, naval bases, harbor areas, and nearby maritime zones.

What are its international equivalents?

• Similar diver support vessels exist in other navies; however, ACMB is optimized for compact coastal deployment and training flexibility. Detailed direct comparisons are limited due to public data constraints.

Sources

• Official statements by Desan Shipyard
• Turkish Naval Forces press releases
• Defence Industry Executive Committee decision (2017)
• Türk Loydu classification information
• Open-source defense publications