Turkey’s first commercial-built special operations submarine passes pressure hull test
The STM500 could invigorate the Turkish defence export sector. (Image: STM)
It is hoped the building of the STM500 might stimulate international sales.
A Turkish commercial organisation has built and tested the pressure hull for a special operations and attack submarine for the first time. STM engineers began designing the pressure hull of the STM500 in June 2022 and the hull completed its quality testing processes in 2023.
The pressure hull of the STM500 was showcased for the first time at the Saha Expo in Istanbul which has been taking place this week.
The milestone is as much economic and commercial as it is one of manufacturing expertise. The use of national resources by a commercial company to create a national defence asset has not previously been attempted in Turkey.
Özgür Güleryüz, general manager of STM, claimed the company was able to complete the work because it had experience on previous construction and modernisation projects for the navies of Turkey and Pakistan.
He added that the achievement of building the pressure hull (the outer shell of the submarine) demonstrated the ability of the Turkish defence sector to indigenously develop such sections for a naval submarine in future.
Such a capability could prove crucial to Turkey’s defence export dreams.
“Representatives of the navies of various countries, particularly those with geographically shallow waters, are closely following the development of the STM500”, said Güleryüz. “The STM500 has a lower price tag with respect to conventional naval submarines, and it can be deployed for special forces operations through its swimmer delivery vehicle. Our aim is to equip the STM500 with the national combat systems technologies being produced by Turkish defence companies, thus demonstrating the power of Turkish naval engineering”.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS]()
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
-
![How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions]()
How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions
The FD 2028 strategy intends to reduce the bureaucracy in procurement processes while speeding up the field of assets.
-
![Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA]()
Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA
Miniaturisation of technology opens up radical sensing technologies to smaller navies under submarine threat, according to SEA sonar expert.
