Turkish Navy’s first Reis-class submarine, TCG Piri Reis (S-330), has participated in its first international naval exercise, Operation Sea Guardian at NATO.
Turkish MoD announced the presence of Turkiye’s first AIP-equipped submarine at an international exercise.
The participation of TCG Piri Reis in Operation Sea Guardian is important in showing the submarine’s operational readiness. Previously, TCG Piri Reis joined EFES 2024 and Blue Homeland 2025 (Mavi Vatan 2025) national exercises.
Other Turkiye platforms, including P-72 MPA and E-7T Peace Eagle AEW&C, also participated in the Operation Sea Guardian exercise.
TCG Piri Reis is the first Reis-class AIP submarine based on the German Type 214. The class is important for the Turkish Navy as the fleet’s first AIP-equipped submarine, allowing for extended sub-surface cruise and improved stealth.
Reis-class is also notable for significantly greater local involvement than the previously acquired Turkish Navy submarines. Examples of local systems include the MÜREN combat management system (HAVELSAN), AKYA heavy torpedo (ROKETSAN), and submarine-launched ATMACA anti-ship missile (ROKETSAN).
