Turkey’s ambition to develop nuclear-powered submarines marks one of the most strategic milestones in its defense modernization efforts. The newly introduced NUKDEN Project aims to elevate Turkey’s underwater capabilities to a global level. Nuclear propulsion offers significant advantages such as extended underwater endurance, long-range operational capability and heightened deterrence — positioning Turkey for a more assertive maritime presence. Alongside the platform itself, the project targets the development of domestic nuclear propulsion systems, reactor infrastructure and advanced naval technologies.

On the technical side, this vision builds on the foundation laid by the MİLDEN Project, which enhances Turkey’s ability to design and construct indigenous submarines. MİLDEN will feature AIP technology, national sonar systems, indigenous torpedoes, cruise missiles and a domestically developed combat management system. These capabilities provide critical experience that directly supports the far more advanced NUKDEN initiative, which requires multi-disciplinary expertise in reactor safety, underwater survivability and power transmission systems. As a whole, Turkey’s nuclear submarine pursuit represents a long-term strategic transformation that strengthens national defense, expands technological sovereignty and contributes to a modern blue-water navy vision.