STM500 Pressure Hull Test Production Successfully Completed

STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş. has successfully completed the test production of the pressure hull for its groundbreaking STM500 submarine. This achievement marks a crucial step forward in Turkey’s journey toward indigenous submarine manufacturing capabilities.

Key Developments

The pressure hull test section, which began production in June 2022, underwent rigorous quality testing throughout 2023 at TEKFEN İmalat ve Mühendislik A.Ş. facilities. This milestone represents the first time a private Turkish company has successfully manufactured military submarine pressure hull sections using domestic resources and infrastructure.

“We have demonstrated the Turkish defense sector’s capability to indigenously develop critical submarine components. This breakthrough positions Turkey among select nations with advanced submarine manufacturing capabilities.”

STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz emphasized the significance of this achievement

STM500:

The STM500 submarine showcases impressive technical specifications:

• Length: 49 meters
• Beam: 4.6 meters
• Submerged displacement: 700 tons
• Maximum submerged speed: 18 knots
• Patrol speed: 5 knots
• Operational depth: Exceeding 200 meters

Advanced Combat Systems

• Eight heavyweight torpedoes
• Guided missile capability
• Four ready-to-fire torpedo tubes
• Optional Air-Independent Propulsion System (AIP)

Operational Capabilitie

The STM500 is designed for versatile deployment in both shallow and blue waters, offering:

• 30-day continuous operation capability
• Accommodation for 22 crew members plus 8 special forces personnel
• Advanced reconnaissance and surveillance systems
• Special forces operation capabilities
• Modern warfare systems integration

Strategic Importance

The successful pressure hull production demonstrates Turkey’s growing capabilities in submarine manufacturing. The STM500’s competitive pricing and special forces capabilities have attracted international attention, particularly from nations with shallow-water naval requirements.

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STM continues to expand its submarine expertise through various projects, including:

• Ay-Class submarine modernization
• Preveze-Class submarine upgrades
• Pakistan’s Agosta 90B Khalid-class submarine modernization
• Gür-Class submarine mid-life modernization program

This latest achievement reinforces Turkey’s position in the global naval defense market and showcases the country’s growing technological capabilities in submarine manufacturing.

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