Type 214TN REIS Class & Capabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean by İbrahim SÜNNETCİ Unlike the surface years, has a quieter hull further enhance the modernization process. combatants that design, reduced flow noise operational activities Under the MLU program, can move and as well as a lower acoustic, and capabilities of the the are thermal and magnetic Turkish Naval Forces equipped with the perform evasive signature compared to the in the surrounding HENSOLDT products; maneuvers only in diesel/electric propelled seas, especially in the new Navigation and two dimensions, diesel/electric powered AY Aegean and the Eastern Attack periscopes, locally the submarine (Type 209/1200), PREVEZE Mediterranean. produced sonar, ESM and (Type 209/1400) and GÜR MÜREN CMS systems, is a strategically The Submarine Group important naval Class (Type 209/1400- and AKYA National Mod) Submarines in the Command, which Heavyweight Torpedoes), platform that can inventory of the Turkish commands the strategic, 4 GÜR Class submarines, operate and carry Naval Forces Submarine silent, and hidden and 4 REİS Class out independent Group Command. weapons of the Turkish submarines (Two more operations in a Moreover, thanks to Naval Forces, continues its Type 214TN submarines their PEM Fuel Cell activities in line with the will be under construction three-dimensional mission of protecting the environment (2x120kw) based an Air and expected to undergo Independent Propulsion maritime relevance and Sea Acceptance Tests/ without any external (AIP) System and high interests of our country SAT). support even in capacity batteries in the Blue Homeland enemy-controlled (2x324 units), they can exercise which covers In recent years, the waters with its conduct long-endurance 462,000 km2. By 2025, ongoing drilling activities operations (from 4 days the Submarine Group in the East Mediterranean silent, hidden, and Command is envisaged have pit against surprising features. to 3 weeks) without the need for snorkeling. to have 2 AY Class , , and . submarines, 4 PREVEZE Having sovereignty rights The Hybrid powered With its superior features Class submarines (Two both in the Aegean and in Type 214TN REİS Class such as the ability to of them have been the Eastern Mediterranean Submarines, which cross the Mediterranean modernized as part of region, Turkey has constitute one of the underwater without the Mid-Life Upgrade repeatedly declared that significant turning points snorkeling and sailing to program, and the it will not allow a fait in the Turkish submarine the USA without refueling, other two are in the accompli in these regions. history which spans 134 REİS Class Submarines

82 The tension between Turkey and these three countries has increased even more with the signing of an agreement between Turkey and Libya, aiming to create an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the region from the southern Mediterranean shores of Turkey to the northeast coast of Libya. With this agreement, our country also disrupted the plans of Southern Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and Egypt to lay claim to the natural gas reserves in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Mediterranean with the and 4 Type 209/1400- construction activities Sea and also blocked the support of the technical Mod diesel/electric of the third Dolphin-II pipeline project, which and technological propelled submarines, Class Submarine INS will extend from Israel to possibilities and two of which have been Dragon (formerly INS Southern Cyprus waters, capabilities of the Israel delivered (S41/861 and Dakar) continue in HDW from the island of Crete to Defense Industry and S42/862), one in the Sea Shipyard in , and Mainland Greece and from considered as a serious Acceptance Test (SAT) the submarine is expected there to the European competitor to the Turkish phase (S43/863) and to be launched in 2020. natural gas network Naval Forces Submarine one under construction The Romeo Class via Italy. Greece, Israel, Group Command. (S44/864). Delivery of Submarines, with a surface and Egypt, which are Type 209/1400-Mod Class In addition to 3 Type displacement of 1,330 currently in conflict with Submarines is planned to 209/1100 and 3 Type be completed by the end tons and a submerged Turkey in the Aegean and 209/1200 Class diesel/ displacement of 1,712 Eastern Mediterranean of 2021. As of January 2020, electric propelled tons, entered the Egyptian regarding research and Israel Navy Submarine submarines, the Greek Navy service in 1982-1984. sharing of natural gas Flotilla Shayetet 7 Navy operates 1 Type Under the US$133 million resources, are among the operates 3 diesel/electric 209/1500 and 4 Type agreement signed on June prominent countries with propelled Dolphin-I 214HN AIP Submarines. 25, 1996, the submarines strong naval presence Class Submarines and The Egyptian Navy has were modernized at and submarine force 2 Dolphin-II Class (also 4 modernized Romeo Ras El Tin Naval Base in the region. Another known as Dolphin Class (Chinese Type in Alexandria, Egypt, submarine power in the AIP or Super Dolphin) 033 Class, 831, 842, 852 by the main contractor region is Algeria, which Submarines. The and 858) submarines Lockheed Martin Tactical has 4 Improved Kilo Class (Project 636) and 2 Kilo Class (Project 877EKM) submarines supplied from the Russian Federation.

Although Israel and Egypt are not at the level and capacity to compete with the Turkish Navy in terms of submarine strength and effectiveness, the Israeli Navy Submarine Flotilla Shayetet 7 (7th Flotilla), albeit it has a small number of submarines, is one of the most effective and qualified submarine forces in the Eastern Greek Navy on Dynamic Manta 2020 Exercise

83 ) and DM2A4 Mod 4 Heavyweight Torpedoes (SUT Mod 264 in some sources). Egypt ordered 20 Harpoon Block 2 Guided Missiles through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) channel in May 2016 for use in submarines.

Currently operating in two different seas, the Mediterranean and Aqaba Gulf (Red Sea), the Israeli Navy has naval bases in Haifa and Ashdod for the Mediterranean and Egyptian 209/1400 Mod Type Submarine Eilat for the Red Sea and has reshaped its Defense Systems. As part conducted in December and weapon loadout. organizational structure of the modernization 2019, one of the Romeo in recent years for the The Egyptian Navy signed activities completed Class Submarines (849) safety of natural gas a €920 million contract for in the early 2000s, the launched a Harpoon wells and reserves in the two Type 209/1400-Mod Romeo Class Submarines Missile from underwater, Eastern Mediterranean Submarines in November were equipped with and the Egyptian Ministry off the coast of Israel. 2011 and, in 2015, placed Kollmorgen product of Defense shared the The Headquarters of the a firm order for two Model 86 Optronic Mast pictures on social media. Shayetet 7, the Israeli additional submarines (Surveillance) and Model Even though the Romeo Navy Submarine Flotilla included as options in 76 Attack Periscope, a new Class Submarines are is located in Haifa, and the first contract. The first generation of active and upgraded with modern it consists entirely of submarine S41 (861) was passive sonar systems sensors and Sub- volunteers. Established delivered in December (Loral and STN Atlas Harpoon capability in 1959, Shayetet 7 (7th 2016, and the second product), a modern fire with the modernization Flotilla) is the leading submarine S42 (862) was control system, a new program, I consider that striking force of the delivered in August 2017. type of navigation and in terms of operational Israeli Navy today. Under The construction of the communication systems performance, the Romeo the agreement signed third submarine S43 (863) and Condor System AR- Class Submarines in June 1991, Shayetet was completed, and it was 700-S5 ESM (Electronic cannot even compete 7 received Dolphin-I launched on May 3, 2019. Support Measures) with the modernized Class Submarines INS According to the open System. Featuring UGM- AY Class Submarines in Dolphin on July 27, sources, Type 209/1400- 84 Submarine-launched the TNFC inventory. The 1999, INS Leviathan on Mod Submarines are Harpoon Guided Missiles Type 209/1400-Mod June 29, 1999, and INS fitted with a Combat (Encapsulated Harpoon) Submarines, the most Tekuma on October 22, Management System and NT-37F Heavyweight modern submarines in the 2000. Diesel/electric (CMS) based on ISUS-90 Torpedoes, Romeo Class Egyptian Navy inventory, propelled Dolphin-I and carry a weapon load Submarines usually carry are the same platforms as Class Submarines have consisting of UGM-84L 4 Harpoon Missiles and the GÜR Class in the TNFC a length of 57.3m, a Block 2 Sub-Harpoon 10 torpedoes. During service and are similar in height of 12.7m, a beam missiles (Encapsulated the naval exercise terms of sensor equipment of 6.8m, and a draught

Super Dolphin CIC Dolphin I

84 Israeli Navy Super Dolphin Submarines of 6.2m with a surface refurbishment work. As two Dolphin-II (also known tons. Equipped with displacement of 1,640 part of the modernization as Dolphin AIP or Super ISUS-90/55 CMS, each tons and a submerged work carried out at the Dolphin) Class submarines Dolphin-II Submarine displacement of 1,900 military shipyard in was signed in 2005 can complement a tons. Dolphin-I (Type 800) Haifa under the Main between Germany and crew of 50 (35 sailors Class Submarines features Contractor TKMS/HDW, Israel. The official contract + 15 Shayetet 13 Naval a multi-compartment all the valves, pipes, for the construction of Special Force personnel) teardrop hull form and “X” radar/periscope systems the third Dolphin-II Class and can be armed with shaped control surfaces and the main diesel submarine, which was up to 21 heavyweight (rudder) instead of “+” engine of the Dolphin-I included as an option in torpedoes (DM2A4) and shape. The submarines Class Submarines were the main contract was Guided Missiles. Both have a total of 10 removed and refurbished, signed between Israel Dolphin-I and Dolphin- tubes (six 533mm and four Rafael product Torbuster and Germany in March II Submarines feature 650mm) and are equipped Torpedo Countermeasure 2012 with the participation three MTU product diesel with ISUS-90/1 Combat System Launchers (10-cell) of the Israeli Minister of engines, Kollmorgen Management System and decoys were installed, Defence Ehud BARAK. product Model 76 attack (CMS). Dolphin Class and the submarines were The submarines are periscope and Model Submarines can be armed equipped with Rafael built at Howaldtswerke- 90 Optronic Periscope with 16 heavyweight product SeaCom IP- Deutsche Werft (HDW) System specially torpedoes, including based secure audio/ Shipyard, which is part of designed according to their spares (6 spares and data/video and SatCom the ThyssenKrupp Marine Shayetet 7 requirements 10 in tubes) and different communication system. Systems (TKMS). Within for surveillance. The Elbit types of Guided Missiles Following the US$26.4 the scope of the contract, product ESM System that can be fired against million modernization INS Tannin was delivered antenna is also placed surface targets and can activities, INS Dolphin in September 2014, INS on the M90 periscope. carry 10 Special Forces Submarine was Rahav was delivered in It is stated that up to (Shayetet 13/Flotilla 13) relaunched in December January 2017, while INS one-third (€135 million/ personnel in addition 2011. Type 800/Dolphin-I Dragon Submarine, which US$168 million) of the total to 35 sailors. Dolphin-I Submarines constitute the is still under construction, construction cost of the Class Submarines 1st Submarine flotilla of is planned to be launched submarines (around €500 designed exclusively the Shayetet 7. According in 2020. Dolphin-II Class million/US$650 million according to the Israeli to open sources, one of Submarines, which are each) was subsidized by Navy requirements and the submarines operates equipped with a hybrid the German Government. used only by Shayetet in the Red Sea and the propulsion system due An additional 3 Dolphin- 7. The unit cost of each Persian Gulf, and the to the integration of III Submarines will be submarine is US$340 other in the Mediterranean the Air Independent procured for Shayetet million, and the total while the third submarine Propulsion (AIP) System, 7, which plans to keep project cost is US$1,28 is located in Haifa (or are 11.3m longer than the Dolphin-II submarines billion. Under the US$100 Ashdod) to protect Israel’s three Dolphin-I Class operational until the million modernization coast. Currently, Port of submarines and have a 2050s.In this context, project launched in Haifa is the only submarine length of 68.6m, a beam a Memorandum of early 2010, Dolphin-I base of Shayetet 7. of 6.8m and a draught Understanding (MOU) Class Submarines of 6.2m with a surface worth US$1.3 billion was were undergone The US$1.27 billion displacement of 2,083 signed between Germany a comprehensive contract for the tons and a submerged and Israel in June 2017. The maintenance, repair and construction of the first displacement of 2,438 official contract for the

85 procurement of Dolphin- that each row consists of there were some It is claimed that Dolphin-I III class submarines is 7 cylinders). The Metal speculations that Dolphin- and Dolphin-II Submarines expected to be signed Hydride cylinders are II class submarines can fire submarine- in 2020, and the first used to store the liquid could be deployed in launched cruise missiles submarine is planned to hydrogen that provides Eilat. Supporting this (SLCM) from its 650mm enter Shayetet 7 service the necessary energy speculation, within the (25.5-inch) torpedo in 2030 following the for the Proton Exchange scope of the Polynom tubes. According to open T0 8-year construction Membrane (PEM, Project, Israel is currently sources, the submarines

period (T0=Contract start). also called as Polymer building high-tech can also be armed with Dolphin-III Submarines, Electrolyte Membrane) fortified hangars/shelters 1,500km range Popeye which will be equipped Fuel Cell modules used at Haifa, Ashdod and Turbo Submarine- with a hybrid propulsion in the AIP System. In Type Eilat ports to protect the Launched Cruise Missiles system, are planned 212 Class, Metal Hydride Israeli Navy surface and that can be equipped to replace the diesel/ Tanks are placed circularly underwater platforms. with a nuclear warhead, electric propelled veteran on both sides of the hull, In this context, new providing Israel with a Dolphin-I submarines. just below the LOX tanks structures such as new second-strike capability at the rear. Unlike the warehouse facilities, in case of a nuclear attack. The exterior design of Type 214 Class, which has maintenance/repair Regarding the issue, the Dolphin-II Class two Siemens product shipyards, ammunition on July 4, 2012, Kocaeli Submarines with a 7-blade BZM120 PEM Fuel Cell shelters, and support Deputy Lütfü TÜRKKAN composite propeller modules (each generates facilities are being built asked a written question resembles the Type 212 120 kW power), Dolphin- at each port at costs to the Prime Minister of Class, while the placement II Submarines, as in Type exceeding US$100 million the time, Recep Tayyip of the AIP System is similar 212A Submarines, have 9 to support surface and ERDOĞAN.In response, to the Type 214 Class (one backup, eight active) underwater platforms. on November 5, 2012, rather than the Type 212. BZM34 PEM Fuel Cell In June 2013, the Elbit the Minister of Foreign Unlike Type 212, which modules that generate a Company announced that Affairs of the time, Ahmet has two Liquid Oxygen total of 306 kW (400 hp) it had signed a contract DAVUTOĞLU stated (LOX) tanks outside the power. under the Polynom Project that the three Dolphin-I pressure hull behind the to build a new submarine Class submarines in sail, the LOX tank/tanks (I With the introduction dock in Haifa Port for the Israel’s inventory can believe there is only one of Dolphin IIs, it is Dolphin-II Submarines. only launch Popeye and tank) in Dolphin-II Class considered that the The giant Fortification Delilah Missile Systems Submarines are located Second Submarine (Submarine Hangar) built that cannot be equipped inside the pressure hull. Flotilla was established at Haifa Port was clearly with nuclear warheads On the other hand, the within Shayetet 7, which seen in the background and emphasized that Metal Hydride Tanks will focus on the Red Sea, in a photograph taken in “despite the media reports (MHT) are placed in a the Persian Gulf, and the December 2019. on Israel has modernized special compartment Indian Ocean. Previously, the submarines brought located at the bottom of from Germany to launch the submarine body, three nuclear-armed cruise rows on the right side and missiles, there is no three rows on the left side information confirming (considering the length of that this modernization the pressure hull I believe was realized.”

©©HDW Super Dolphin Class INS Tanin seen here during sea trials executed within the scope of SAT Phase

86 Conclusion

As of January 2020, in Type 214TN terms of submarine power in the Eastern Mediterranean, Shayetet 7 (Flotilla 7) with 5 active Dolphin-I and Dolphin-II Submarines (3 diesel/electric, 2 hybrid-propelled) has fewer platforms when compared to the Turkish Naval Forces Submarine Group Command with 4 AY Class, 4 PREVEZE Class, and 4 GÜR Class diesel/electric propelled nuclear-armed cruise In the last ten years, MHS-01 Hydrophones, submarines. However, the missiles is the most various procurement ArmerKom MİLPAS hybrid (diesel/electric + significant superiority of projects that will shape (National Passive Sonar, AIP) propelled Dolphin-II the Israeli Navy Submarine the future of the Turkish AY Class), ArmerKom/ Submarines have superior Flotilla Command Naval Forces Command TÜBİTAK MÜREN CMS capabilities than the Shayetet 7 (7th Flotilla) (TNFC) and meet its (Combat Management submarines operated over the Turkish naval critical needs have been System, AY Class), by the Turkish Naval Forces Submarine Group accomplished with high TÜBİTAK MAM Submarine Forces Submarine Group Command. However, Israel domestic contribution Active Sonar System (AY Command in terms of their will only be able to use this rates under the successful Class), ZARGANA Torpedo technical features. With weapon in retaliation for coordination of the Counter Measure System the introduction of Hybrid a hostile nuclear attack. Presidency of Defence Launcher and ZOKA Decoy propelled REİS Class Moreover, it is evident that Industries (SSB). The Family as well as Radar Type 214TN Submarines the force structure of the Submarines of the Turkish Absorbing Materials from 2022 and PREVEZE Israeli Navy would not be Naval Forces Submarine (RAM). Within the scope Class Submarines, which enough if Israel engages in Group Command are of ongoing projects, would be modernized a long-term naval conflict equipped with numerous integration activities of with national capabilities, without resorting to high-tech products 6-cell ZARGANA TCMS from 2023, Turkish Naval nuclear weapons because including Aselsan ARES- Launchers (four units per Forces Submarine Group the current force structure 2SC (AY Class) and submarine) into PREVEZE Command will also achieve of the Israeli Navy is not ARES-2NS (REİS Class) and GÜR Class Submarines technical superiority capable of supporting ECM systems, ASIST are continuing (the work in terms of submarine this country’s maritime Submarine Intercept on the PREVEZE Class strength in addition to interests in the Eastern Sonar System, Meteksan TCG Anafartalar was its current numerical Mediterranean in a long- Defence Intercept completed in the first advantage. However, term naval war. Passive Sonar (IPS) and quarter of 2019 and the with the Dolphin-III Submarines (I believe that they will be equipped with AIP + Reformer + Lithium- Ion Battery) planned to be introduced from 2030, the technical/technological 77.sayfa foto değişecek...İbrahim Sana Ben ZARGANA TCMS superiority will change lançeri takılmıs TCG Anafartalar görseli atmıstım sayfa again in favor of Israel. In numarası da vermistim onu buraya koyalım... this respect, it is highly crucial to complete the National Submarine Project (MİLDEN) in the Cem DOĞUT Cem 2030s. © ©

The ability to launch PREVEZE Class TCG Anafartalar has been fitted with Aselsan ZARGANA TCMS launchers

87 submarine was spotted the first launch test of The infrastructure domestically under the on April 2, 2019, with the AKYA prototype established for REİS Submarine Propulsion the launchers installed). was successfully carried Class Submarines will System Components Additionally, under out. According to the be used in the design Development Project. the MÜREN-PREVEZE information we received, and construction of the The PEM Fuel Cell Project, the PREVEZE the last launch test with first national submarine, modules, which will be Class submarines are the AKYA prototype was MİLDEN, which will manufactured locally equipped with ADVENT- successfully performed be designed and built by the company to based MÜREN CMS, in December 2019, and with a high domestic be selected under the and under the PREVEZE the first torpedo launch contribution rate and project, are intended Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) integrated with MÜREN- national resources. to replace the BZM120 Project, Aselsan provides CMS is expected to be Although initially thought modules currently used all wet-ends of the sonar completed at the end of to have similar dimensions in REİS Class Submarines systems to be used in the 2020 or early 2021. On and displacement as the in the following years. submarines. Furthermore, the other hand, ATMACA REİS Class, I believe that Additionally, unlike the Aselsan products SatCom, Block-II guided missile MİLDEN boats will be REİS Class, MİLDEN Class Integrated Combat (submarine-launched slightly longer and heavier is expected to use locally System, ARES-2SC Encapsulated ATMACA than planned. I think produced Lithium-Ion Radar ESM System, and version) with both active RF MİLDEN Submarines will (Li-Ion) batteries (LIB) ALPER Low Probability and IIR seekers is expected have a length of around with higher power and of Intercept (LPI) Naval to be used in both 75-80m, a beam of 7m, capacity instead of lead- Radar Systems are PREVEZE and REİS Class a draught of 6.5m, and a acid batteries. Unlike also integrated into Submarines (CMS software submerged displacement REİS Class submarines, submarines. PREVEZE modification is required). between 2,500-3,000 which are currently under Class Submarines are The development activities tons and unlike the REİS construction, and AY, expected to be equipped of the GEZGİN National Class, MİLDEN Submarines PREVEZE, and GÜR Class with AKYA National Cruise Missile are ongoing, will have at least one submarines, which have a Heavyweight Torpedoes. and it is considered to be Reformer. Preferred for single compartment cigar- During the Annual used for the first time long-range missions, shaped hull form, MİLDEN Evaluation Meeting for on MİLDEN platforms. Reformer is preferred for class submarines will have 2019 held at Bestepe However, when the missile large (over 2,000 tons) a multi-compartment National Congress and is ready, I expect it to be submarines. Both PEM teardrop hull form. I Culture Center in Ankara used in PREVEZE Class Fuel Cell modules and think that MİLDEN will on January 16, 2019, Submarines equipped with Reformers to be used in have at least six 533mm President Recep Tayyip MÜREN CMS from the mid- MİLDEN submarines to heavyweight torpedo Erdoğan informed that 2020s. be equipped with 300kW tubes and one 650mm (400hp) AIP System will be deployment station to designed and produced allow SAS/SAT underwater nationally, and the systems operations. will also be developed

Turkish PREVEZE Class Submarine took part in NATO's Dynamic Manta 2018 Exercise 88 Dolphin-I Length: 57.3m Beam: 6.8m Height: 12.7m Draught: 6.2m Displacement: 1.640 tons surfaced, 1.900 tons submerged Surface Speed: 11 knots Submerged Speed: 20 knots Complement: 30 + 10

Dolphin-II Length: 68.6m Beam: 6.8m Height: 12.7m (?) Draught: 6.2m Displacement: 2.083 tons surfaced, 2.438 tons submerged Surface Speed: 11 knots Submerged Speed: 25 knots Complement: 35 + 15

Type 214HN Length: 65.3m Beam: 6.3m Height: 13.1m Draught: 6.0m Displacement: 1.688 tons surfaced, 1.858 tons submerged Surface Speed: 10.5 knots Submerged Speed: 21 knots Complement: 27

Type 214TN Length: 68.35m Beam: 6.3m Height: 13.1m (16.5m with periscopes) Draught: 6.0m Displacement: 1.865 tons surfaced, ~2.050 tons submerged Surface Speed: 12 knot Submerged Speed: 22 knot Complement: 27 +13

Type 209 / 1200 (AY Class) Type 209 / 1400 Mod (PREVEZE and GÜR Class) Length: 61.2m Length: 62m Beam: 6.2m Beam: 6.25m Height: 12m Height: 12.5m Draught: 5.5m Draught: 5.5m Displacement: 980 tons surfaced, 1.185 tons submerged Displacement: 1.454 tons surfaced, 1.586 tons submerged Surface Speed: 11 knots Surface Speed: 15 knots Submerged Speed: 21.5 knots Submerged Speed: 21.5 knots Complement: 38 Complement: 30

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