**OVERVIEW:** The MILDEN is a conventionally powered submarine operated by the Turkish Navy, entering service in 2025. It represents a significant step in indigenous submarine design and construction capabilities for Turkey.

**DETAILS:**
The MILDEN-class submarines are a product of Turkey's ambitious MİLDEN (Milli Denizaltı – National Submarine) program, aimed at achieving greater self-sufficiency in naval shipbuilding. The program leverages existing expertise gained through technology transfer agreements on previous submarine programs, like the Type 214TN, while incorporating domestically developed systems. The design emphasizes acoustic stealth, extended submerged endurance, and integration of advanced sensor and weapon systems. The MILDEN program reflects Turkey's strategic goal to project power in the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers for critical defense technologies. The program's development faced various challenges related to technology transfer and integration, but successful completion demonstrates Turkey's growing sophistication in submarine design and construction.

The primary roles of the MILDEN-class submarines encompass anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. The sophisticated sensor suite enables effective detection and tracking of both surface and subsurface targets. In ASW roles, the MILDEN leverages its hull-mounted DBQS-40 sonar suite, including the DBQS-40 Hull [CSU 90] and DBQS-40 Flank [CSU 90] arrays, to provide long-range detection and classification of enemy submarines. The DTA-50 [TAS 90] towed array sonar enhances detection range in deep water environments, while the DBQS-40 Intercept [IPS CSU 90] array provides capabilities for detecting and classifying enemy sonar emissions. In ASuW roles, the ALPER radar offers surface search and target designation, while the OMS 100 / SERO 400 periscope suite allows for visual confirmation and targeting. The ARES-2N electronic support measures (ESM) system provides passive detection and identification of enemy radar emissions.

The MILDEN class is equipped with a range of advanced systems enhancing its operational effectiveness. The FMS 52 fire control system integrates sensor data and provides precise targeting solutions for both torpedo and missile engagements. The TAU-2000 DL (Torpedo Acoustic Decoy) system provides a defensive capability against incoming torpedoes. The six 533mm torpedo tubes are capable of launching a variety of torpedoes and potentially anti-ship missiles, providing a versatile offensive capability. Specific Turkish weapons integration is highly likely, but not confirmed in open sources. The combination of advanced sensors, stealth characteristics, and modern weapon systems makes the MILDEN a formidable asset in the Turkish Navy's submarine fleet.

**SPECIFICATION:** Length: 80.0 m || Beam: 6.3 m || Draft: 6.0 m || Disp: 2450 t

**SENSORS:** FMS 52 || DBQS-40 Hull [CSU 90] || DTA-50 [TAS 90] || DBQS-40 Flank [CSU 90] || DBQS-40 Intercept [IPS CSU 90] || ALPER || ARES-2N || OMS 100 / SERO 400 Periscope Suite

**ARMAMENT:** TAU-2000 DL || 533mm TT Single