The Turkish Naval Forces and the defence industry are now taking steps for constructing the National Submarine (MILDEN) based on knowledge and know-how gained by their competent engineers and workers in the prideful materialisation of the National Ship (MILGEM) class corvettes and frigates. First of all, it is imperative to decide on the main propulsion system of the submarine to be constructed, as it will completely affect the design variables. At this point the important decision factor will be between the conventional diesel-electric propulsion system and nuclear power.

Before making this decision, let us examine the submarines and the submarine operation in general, which are quite different from the surface ships.

Submarine warfare encompasses the attack of conventional or nuclear-powered submarines with torpedoes, guided missiles, and nuclear weapons against hostile submarines, surface ships, and land targets by using advanced command-control and detection systems. In addition, other uses of submarines include covert reconnaissance, clandestine operations such as insertion of special force units to the target area, laying of mines covertly, and screening of the surface task force