Turkish Navy welcomes second Reis-class submarine

November 27, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Turkey’s submarine modernization program has reached a new milestone as the second of six planned Reis-class (Type 214TN) submarines, TCG Hızırreis, was formally handed over to the Turkish Navy.

As disclosed, TCG Hızırreis was handed over by the Gölcük Naval Shipyard (GNSY) to the procurement authority SSB (Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı) and simultaneously from there to the Turkish Navy. The first boat was handed over in October 2024.

German shipbuilding major TKMS is responsible for design, material supply, and supervision of construction and the testing phase.

“All parties involved have shown a high level of commitment and willingness to cooperate since the start of the project – this is the only way to realize projects of this scope within the set time and cost framework. The handover now underscores the good partnership between TKMS, GNSY, and the Turkish Navy,” Christian Rogge, EVP Submarines at TKMS, said.

“Whether in engineering, production, purchasing or IT, the experience gained from building the first boat, as well as the commitment and individual expertise of each and every one of us, means that we are right on track with the project. The handover of the second boat is a strong sign of this,” Project Manager, Bernd Krekeler, stated.

The third vessel in this class was launched in May this year.

Turkish Navy’s third Reis-class submarine hits the water

Vessels

Type 214 submarines are export versions of the Type 212 submarine in service with the navies of Italy and Germany, and Norway, and are built or operated by the navies of Greece, the Republic of Korea, Portugal, and Turkey. The vessels are approximately 68.5 meters long and can reach a speed of 20 knots while submerged.

Production of the four other boats is already underway and at various stages in the project process. According to the schedule of the state-owned shipyard GNSY, delivery of the third boat is planned in about a year.