Current status
SSB currently groups AKYA and ORKA on one official programme page, making a combined Defence Agenda hub appropriate for the first implementation. The two weapons, however, are at different maturity levels and must not be described as if they share the same operational status.
SSB states that AKYA is being procured to meet the Turkish Naval Forces’ heavyweight torpedo requirement. It is a submarine-launched weapon intended for engagement of both surface vessels and submarines, using acoustic and wake-homing guidance.
AKYA has completed high-value live-warhead milestones. On 8 January 2024, SSB announced a live-warhead firing from TCG PREVEZE against a target at 12,000 yards. During the Denizkurdu-2/2026 exercise, SSB reported on 16 June 2026 that an AKYA warshot fired from a submarine successfully struck the designated target.
Roketsan’s current published data describe AKYA as a 533 mm heavyweight torpedo with a 50+ km range, active/passive sonar, autonomous and fibre-optic guidance and wake homing against surface targets. These are manufacturer-published specifications.
ORKA remains a development programme in SSB’s wording. SSB describes it as a lightweight torpedo intended to be launched from surface platforms against submarines. Roketsan’s more recent product material broadens the published platform set to surface vessels and air platforms, including AUSVs, UCAVs and helicopters, and lists a 15 km range. Until SSB or the Turkish Naval Forces confirms inventory acceptance, Defence Agenda should not describe ORKA as operational.
Why it matters
AKYA and ORKA together address two different layers of Türkiye’s undersea-warfare requirement.
AKYA replaces dependence on imported heavyweight submarine torpedoes with a nationally controlled weapon that can be integrated with Turkish submarine combat systems and future MİLDEN boats. ORKA aims to do the same in the lightweight anti-submarine torpedo class for surface and airborne platforms.
The broader strategic value is the creation of a domestic undersea weapon technology base: sonar seekers, guidance, propulsion, warheads, launch interfaces, target modelling and platform integration.
This also creates a direct relationship with Türkiye’s expanding naval platform portfolio—MİLDEN, REİS-class submarines, MİLGEM/İSTİF ships, maritime aviation and unmanned naval/air systems.