Turkey has developed a mini-attack submarine called the STM-500 for export and patrolling the surrounding coastline. The STM-500 Submarine will run on diesel and electricity.
The submarine, whose design has been completed, will start the construction phase by signing the contract this year. It is stated that the construction activities of the submarine will take 48 months and 72 months to be fully completed.
With its small tonnage and dimensions, our STM500 National Mini Submarine will be able to perform Shallow Water Operations, Intelligence, Reconnaissance, and Surveillance missions in our coastal areas without being noticed by enemy elements.
The STM-500 mini-attack submarine will be 42 meters (138 feet) long, with a submerged displacement of 540 tons and a maximum speed of 18 knots. The submarine will also be able to dive up to 250 meters (820 feet), with a cruising speed of up to five knots.
The submarine’s diesel engines will allow it to travel up to 3,500 nautical miles, while its batteries alone will be able to power the ship up to 75 nautical miles. It will also be equipped with an air-independent propulsion system, which increases the ship’s range to 4,000 nautical miles.
The submarine will be able to accommodate 18 crew members and a six-person special forces team and will be submerged for 30 days. The mini-sub will have four torpedo tubes and can carry eight cruise missiles.
Mini submarines will be used in coastal operations as they have smaller magnetic and acoustic signatures and cannot be detected by enemy sonar.
Mini submarines will mostly operate in shallow, closed areas such as the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea.
Features of STM- 500
Sensors and Weapons
Battle Management System
Navigation Radar
Optronic Search and Attack Periscopes
Torpedo Countermeasures (Baits)
ESM
Sonars : CAS, CTA, PRS, MAS, IDRS, ONA
4 torpedo tubes (2 tubes available for Guided Missile) and 4 stacks of overhead
Abilities
Submarine Warfare
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
Special Operations
Mine Warfare
Shallow water operations
UXV transactions
Diving depth : 250+ m
Durability : 30 days
Features
Overall Length : 42.0 m
Waterline Length : 4.2 m
Maximum width : 8.5 m
Displacement : Surfaced – 485 t, Submerged – 540 t
