Turkey-based defence technology company STM Savunma Teknolojileri ve Mühendislik has launched the first stage in the production of diesel-electric attack submarine STM500.
This milestone achievement was marked by the entry of STM500 submarine project into the pressure hull test production phase.
The submarine is being constructed under Turkey’s national submarine production effort, which aims to develop necessary industrial infrastructure for the design and construction of military submarines with national resources.
It also marks a private Turkish company manufacturing the pressure hull of a military submarine for the first time.
In a tweet, Defence Industries (SSB) president Dr İsmail Demir said: “Historic step in our national submarine adventure! We are starting production of the STM500 submarine, which has been designed by Turkish engineers with national resources, with the test production of the pressure hull.”
The submarine is designed by STM engineers using indigenous resources and will feature various updated features.
The small-sized STM500 submarine will have advanced warfare systems, eight heavy torpedoes and guided missiles with four ready-to-fire torpedo tubes.
It will also be armed with necessary equipment to fulfil the global tactical requirements including special forces missions, reconnaissance and surveillance and submarine warfare missions.
Designed to operate in shallow and open waters, the submarine is capable of accommodating 18 crew members and eight special forces personnel aboard for up to 30 days.
STM general manager Özgür Güleryüz said: “As the first engineering company in Türkiye to gain the capacity to build and modernise submarines, we have reached another historic milestone.
“We are proud to be launching the pressure hull test production of our STM500 submarine, as an outcome of our national engineering works.”
