In a speech on April 18, 2023, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the United Kingdom wanted to cooperate with Turkey in the construction of future submarines. Let's have an overall look at the submarines in service with the navies of both nations.
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Model of the future mini-submarine STM500 at ADEX 2022, Bakou. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The Turkish and UK Royal Navies both boast impressive fleets of submarines, which serve as a testament to their commitment to maintaining their maritime capabilities.
Turkish Navy
The Turkish Naval Forces Command operates a fleet of submarines that consists of German-designed Type 209 submarines. The Navy currently has six Type 209/1200 submarines, four Type 209T1/1400, and four Type 209T2/1400. The future Reis class of submarines is still under construction. It will be composed of six submarines.
Royal Navy
The vessels, primarily comprised of the Astute-class and Vanguard-class submarines (but also one Trafalgar-class submarine), serve a range of critical purposes, from intelligence gathering and surveillance to deterrence and power projection.
The Astute-class attack submarines are equipped with advanced weapons systems and cutting-edge technology, while the Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines serve as the backbone of the UK's nuclear deterrent, ensuring a continuous at-sea presence to safeguard the nation's interests.
The Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines, also known as Trident submarines, are the backbone of the UK's nuclear deterrent. They are armed with Trident II D5 ballistic missiles, which have a range of up to 7,500 miles and are capable of carrying multiple warheads. The ballistic missile submarines are also equipped with conventional torpedoes and have a crew of around 135 sailors.
Designed to replace the aging Vanguard-class vessels, the Dreadnought-class submarines are the Royal Navy's latest generation of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. Construction of the first submarine began in 2016, and the class is expected to enter service in the early 2030s.
