A submarine-launched version of the ATMACA cruise missile was spotted during the delivery ceremony of the TCG PiriReis (S-330) AIP submarine.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has stated that Reis-class’s next two submarines will enter service in 2025 and 2026, with all six submarines set to enter service in 2029. The delivery ceremony of TCG PiriReis has unveiled another new asset of the Turkish Navy.
The missile’s underwater launch capsule was spotted alongside the AKYA heavy-weight torpedo and the ATMACA missile in Anadolu Agency News’ live stream. In the picture above, the munition behind ATMACA and AKYA is a torpedo-like munition with no propeller. It bears a heavy resemblance to the UGM-84 Sub-Harpoon’s capsule.
To launch a missile from underwater, a capsule compatible with standard torpedo tubes carries the missile to the water’s surface, and finally, the missile is launched. Submarine-launched ATMACA will provide both long-range anti-surface warfare and, alternatively, an interim land-attack solution for Reis-class and likely the modernised submarines until the long-range GEZGİN cruise missile enters service.
The GEZGİN is also mentioned for the first time by high-ranking officials. Versatility Unleashed: so far, three variants of ATMACA have been fired, each showcasing its adaptability. With an RF seeker, the first variant replaces RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles on Turkish Navy ships.
With an IIR seeker, the second variant is part of the BARBAROS coastal defence system and is launched from land vehicles. The latest ATMACA UM, fired this month from Koluman’s Derman 8x8 truck, will serve in the Turkish Land Forces as a land attack cruise missile capable of hitting sea targets upon need, thanks to its IIR seeker.
ATMACA UM has a longer range and the capability to navigate changing terrain thanks to DSMAC through its seeker and a larger warhead against hardened targets. The next variants of ATMACA are expected to be the submarine-launched ATMACA and air-borne ATMACA for fighter aircraft.
