Preveze-class MLU programme completes critical design phase

TCG Preveze, the first of four Turkish Navy Preveze (Type 209/1400)-class submarines undergoing a planned MLU programme. (Cem Devrim Yaylali)

The Turkish Navy's Preveze (Type 209/1400)-class diesel electric submarine (SSK) mid-life upgrade (MLU) programme has achieved a new milestone with the successful completion of the critical design phase.

Turkey's Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) approved the critical design phase following the successful completion of sea acceptance trials of the inertial navigation system, salinity-depth-density measurement and cold-water systems, and static inverters in mid-February, according to an announcement by Turkish company STM.

STM said the sea trials of the four subsystems were required to be completed before the critical design phase could be successfully concluded.

At the same time, the platform integration of the MÜREN combat management system (CMS) onboard first-of-class TCG Preveze has also been completed, STM added.

The Preveze-class MLU programme includes the upgrade of the first four submarines in the class: Preveze (S-353), TCG Sakarya (S-354), TCG 18 Mart (S-355), and TCG Anafartalar (S-356). Work is being carried out by STM, Havelsan, and Aselsan in partnership with Asfat under a contract awarded in February 2019. Under current planning, all four modernised submarines will return to service by 2027.

The MLU covers the replacement of the existing ISUS CMS with the MÜREN-Preveze CMS developed by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, and replacement of ageing sensors and hardware with new ones made by local companies. Both projects have been separately contracted.

The main components to be replaced, overhauled, or updated during the MLU are the inertial navigation system, salinity-depth-density measurement system, floating antenna, telescopic satellite communication (satcom) antenna, attack and navigation periscope, emergency communications system, cold water system, and static converter and air filtration system.