ASELSAN Unveils MİLDEN Submarine Production: A Strategic Leap at Gölcük Shipyard

A New Era of Submarines at Gölcük

Turkey’s MİLDEN indigenous submarine project is being relaunched at the Gölcük Shipyard Command, with ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol announcing that production will commence there using entirely domestic capabilities.

Naval Power and Economic Investment

Akyol highlighted that Turkey’s 86‑million population relies on maritime strength, stressing the need for a robust navy. This collaboration between ASELSAN and Gölcük Shipyard is poised to create new job opportunities for Kocaeli and the broader Turkish economy.

TEKNOFEST Mavi Vatan’s Creative Engagement

Akyol underscored the importance of the TEKNOFEST Mavi Vatan event in sparking interest in defense technology among youth:

■Participants in Gölcük’s TEKNOFEST developed a keen interest in naval and defense sectors.

■The construction of a new facility will bolster the national technology movement.

■STEM engagement for the next generation is a key objective.

Government and Industry Support

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and T3 Foundation leaders joined the event, affirming that Mavi Vatan will enhance Turkey’s strong global image. Kocaeli Governor İlhami Aktaş and Mayor Tahir Büyükakın highlighted the project’s regional development significance.

Strategic and Financial Implications

The production of MİLDEN at Gölcük will:

■Strengthen Turkey’s strategic defense infrastructure.

■Expand local production capacity.

■Generate new high‑tech employment in Gölcük.

■Optimize long‑term defense spending.

Fatih Kılıç: The launch of MİLDEN production at Gölcük marks a pivotal moment for Turkey’s strategic defense and the deepening of its domestic industrial chain. Economically, the new facility will boost regional employment and reduce reliance on foreign defense imports, delivering long‑term cost advantages.