In a significant milestone for Türkiye’s indigenous defense capabilities, the Ministry of National Defence (MoD) announced a successful live-fire test of the domestically developed AKYA heavyweight torpedo on June 11, 2026, as part of the large-scale DENİZKURDU-II 2026 naval exercise in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The torpedo was launched from the TCG Sakarya (S-354), a modernized Preveze-class (Type 209/1400) diesel-electric submarine, and scored a direct hit on the decommissioned target ship M/G Sokullu Mehmet Paşa (formerly TCG Sokullu Mehmet Paşa, ex-Rhein-class tender). The impact was powerful enough to break the vessel into two sections, completely destroying it and demonstrating the weapon’s devastating effectiveness against surface targets.
AKYA, produced by Turkish defense giant ROKETSAN, represents a next-generation heavyweight torpedo designed for submarine-launched operations. Key features include:
▪️Active/passive sonar homing with acoustic counter-countermeasure capabilities.
▪️Fiber-optic wire guidance for real-time operator control.
▪️Wake-homing capability specifically optimized for surface vessels.
▪️Dual-purpose design effective against both submarines (ASW) and surface ships (ASuW).
▪️High speed (over 45 knots) and long range (50+ km), powered by a brushless DC electric motor with high-energy batteries and counter-rotating propellers.
▪️Insensitive warhead (approximately 350–380 kg) with proximity/impact fuze for enhanced underwater shock effect.
The test marked the first AKYA firing from TCG Sakarya integrated with the indigenous MÜREN (Milli Üretim Entegre Sualtı Savaş Yönetim Sistemi) combat management system, underscoring Türkiye’s progress in submarine modernization. AKYA has entered serial production and is gradually replacing older foreign torpedoes such as German DM2A4 and U.S. models in the Turkish Navy’s inventory. It equips Preveze-, Gür-, and Reis-class submarines.
The DENİZKURDU-II exercise involved 125 naval units, 60 aircraft, and around 18,000 personnel across multiple seas, serving as a major platform to validate operational readiness and showcase indigenous weapons like AKYA, ATMACA anti-ship missiles, and others.
Statement from Turkish Defence Officials
“Today, as TCG Sakarya sank its target with the AKYA war torpedo, we feel justified pride in having nationalised the torpedo, the principal weapon of our submarines, which form the backbone of our deterrence.”
— Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces
This successful test highlights Türkiye’s advancing self-reliance in underwater warfare systems, strengthening the Turkish Navy’s deterrent posture in the region.
The event builds on prior AKYA trials, including its first warhead live firing in 2023, and reinforces the momentum of Türkiye’s indigenous defense industry.
