ASFAT has shown the MİLDEN submarine with VLS for cruise missiles during the SAHA EXPO 2024 exhibition as the secondary weapon.
The VLS cells will be used to launch cruise missiles, which will likely include ATMACA and GEZGİN.
There has been no statement on whether ROKETSAN's MİDLAS VLS or a new one will be used on the submarine.
The main advantage of using VLS on MİLDEN is the space reserved for more torpedoes in the torpedo bays, as cruise missiles occupy the same space with torpedoes otherwise.
This also shows that MİLDEN will act as a conventional deterrent with comprehensive land attack capabilities in addition to defence against warships and submarines.
The installation of a VLS has been among the possibilities for MİLDEN as the first Turkish-designed submarine is considerably larger than the Type 209 and Reis-class (Type 214TN) submarines of the Turkish Navy.
A similar application is ROK's KSS-III submarines with K-VLS for Hyunmoo 4-4 SRBMs for striking land targets.
In addition to MİLDEN, ASFAT has also shown the VLS arrangement of the MUGEM aircraft carrier design with 32 cells (16x2) distributed on the runway's side not to occupy the space for aircraft carriage. With 32 VLS cells, four GÖKDENİZ CIWS, and what appears to be a derivative of the ÇAFRAD AESA radar complex, MUGEM will have a significant self-defence capability.
