This week’s Quwa Premium article is a recap of some defence news items from around the world. Besides a basic overview of the news, this article also offers short-form analysis of each issue.
Turkey Launches Second Reis-Class Submarine for Sea Trials
On 23 May 2022, Turkey’s Gölcük Naval Shipyard launched the Turkish Navy’s second Reis-class (i.e., Type 214TR) submarine – TCG Hizir Reis – for sea trials. The Gölcük Naval Shipyard also celebrated starting the production work of the sixth and final Reis-class submarine, the TCG Selman Reis.
The Reis-class submarine program is the result of a 2009 contract between Turkey’s Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and the German contractor ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). Under the deal, which was reportedly valued at € 2.060 billion at the time of signing, Turkey would manufacture six customized Type 214 submarines domestically. The first of these boats, the TCG Piri Reis, is slated to join the Turkish Navy fleet in 2022. Turkey’s expecting to deliver the sixth and final ship by 2027.
The Type 214TR will be equipped with a fuel cell-based air-independent propulsion (AIP) system. The Reis-class submarine has a length of 68.35 m, a diameter of 6.3 m, displacement of 1,850 tons, and a capacity to support a crew of 40. It is capable of anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-ship warfare (AShW) and long-range land attack capabilities. Turkey confirmed that it will configure the Reis-class submarine with locally-designed and built munitions, such as the Atmaca anti-ship missile (AShM) and Akya ASW torpedo.
Turkey also moved to localize many of the Type 214TR’s key subsystems, such as sensors, electronics, and weapon systems. Not only are Turkish contractors like Aselsan, Meteksan, and Havelsan are supplying key subsystems for the Reis-class program, but they are also exporting their solutions. The Pakistan Navy’s upgraded Agosta 90B submarines, for example, are using a number of Aselsan and Havelsan subsystems. Turkey also marketed the Reis-class for export to other countries, notably Indonesia.
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