Fact-Check: Will China, Pak and Turkey Jointly Develop Nuclear Submarines? Here are the facts

News has recently emerged on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) alleging that China, Pakistan and Turkey to jointly develop nuclear submarines as quoted by Turkish media . The news has been shared by multiple pak handles on X.

Pak-based handle Ironclad, Known for spreading misinformation on X posted an image and wrote: “#BREAKING: China, Pakistan and Turkey to jointly develop nuclear submarines, Turkish media.

Moreover, many users shared this news stating similar claims

Fact-Check

To begin with fact-check process, the DFRAC team searched some key words on google related to the above viral claim. no such news has been reported by Turkish media in support of above information. Contrary to this news, we discovered a report by Defence Security Asia dated May 2, 2024 with the headline: “Turkey Plans to Acquire Nuclear-Powered Submarines, Power Projection to Regional Rivals“.

As per the report, Turkey is reportedly planning to enter the era of nuclear-powered submarine operations in the medium term, a move that would enhance its naval capabilities in line with its aspirations to become a regional power. the operation of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in Mersin, along with proposals to build additional nuclear power plants in Sinop & Thrace, will provide Turkey with the critical knowledge and experience needed to operate nuclear-powered submarines in the future.

Conclusion

It is clear from DFRAC’s fact-check that Turkey indeed plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, but not jointly with China and Pakistan.

Analysis: Misleading