Turkey has officially commenced the construction of three highly anticipated warships—a submarine, an aircraft carrier, and the first ship of the TF-2000 air-defense destroyer series.
The Turkish Defence Ministry’s spokesman made the announcement during the weekly press briefing, which was subsequently shared on the Ministry’s social media platforms.
As per the spokesperson, the steel-cutting ceremonies for the MUGEM and TF-2000 took place at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, while the ceremony for the MILDEN (Milli Denizaltı – meaning national submarine) was held at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard.
The video released by the Ministry indicates that Turkish Navy officials and representatives from the shipyards attended the ceremonies.
According to Turkish Defense Ministry officials, these new projects bring the total number of naval vessels under construction in Turkey to 31.
The Turkish government aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers by focusing on the domestic development and production of defense technologies, and these shipbuilding programs are central to that strategy.
Local shipbuilding and technological advancements are key components of Turkey’s long-term military goals, particularly in ensuring the country’s self-sufficiency in weapons production.
As stated, the first weld for the National Submarine (MİLDEN) was completed at Gölcük Naval Shipyard, with Turkish officials keeping most details under wraps, given the usual secrecy surrounding submarine operations.
The MİLDEN is a 2,700-ton, 80-meter-long diesel-electric submarine equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology for extended submerged endurance. The vessel will feature locally developed weapons, systems, and sensors designed to improve its operational depth and payload capacity.
Simultaneously, the TF-2000 air-defense destroyer project is taking shape at Istanbul Naval Shipyard. The project commenced in 2017, and its design has undergone multiple revisions.
This new class of warship is designed to intercept both guided and ballistic missile threats while also offering the full spectrum of naval combat capabilities.
The TF-2000 measures 149 meters in length and 21.3 meters in width, with a displacement of 8,300 tons. Its state-of-the-art CODOG propulsion system allows the ship to reach speeds exceeding 26 knots.
In terms of armament, the TF-2000 is outfitted with a 127mm main gun, two 25mm remote-controlled weapon stations, and a 35mm Gökdeniz close-in weapon system for close-range defense.
The ship will be equipped with a 96-cell vertical launch system, developed under Turkey’s MİDLAS program, capable of firing Siper and Hisar air defense missiles, as well as Gezgin cruise missiles.
The ship’s radar system, the ÇAFRAD phased array, will provide a detection range of up to 450 kilometers, offering robust surveillance capabilities.
MUGEM (Milli Uçak Gemisi – National Aircraft Carrier)
Among the three ongoing naval projects, the construction of the National Aircraft Carrier (MUGEM) is the most crucial. Once completed, MUGEM will elevate Turkey to an elite group of nations possessing aircraft carriers.
It will improve the country’s long-range strike capabilities and its ability to project military power. The Turkish Navy said that MUGEM will be an imposing vessel, measuring 285 meters in length, 75 meters in width, and featuring a 10-meter draft.
With a projected displacement of 60,000 tons, it will be more than twice the size of Turkey’s largest current warship, the TCG Anadolu. Its size and specifications are comparable to the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers.
The MUGEM features a state-of-the-art hull design developed through a multi-dimensional optimization tool. This ensures exceptional seakeeping, stability, and maneuverability, making it adaptable to various sea conditions.
Internal simulations have already proven these design elements to ensure the carrier’s reliability. Notably, the bow design delivers a 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption and improves underwater noise propagation.
The aircraft carrier will utilize a short take-off and barrier-arrested recovery (STOBAR) configuration. It will feature a single runway with a ski jump angled at 12–14 degrees, allowing for versatile operations.
The design also includes a single island located on the starboard side. Aircraft elevators, one positioned forward and the other aft of the island, will facilitate smooth aircraft handling.
Preliminary plans indicate three distinct take-off spots on the carrier: one for the TB-3 UCAV combat drone near the bridge level, another for the Hürjet manned aircraft on the port side, and a third for the Kızılelma unmanned jet on the port quarter. Additionally, the ship will be equipped with three arresting wires and an angled deck for efficient and safe landings.
Very few nations operate aircraft carriers. A total of 22 aircraft carriers are operational at present, with the US alone accounting for 11. China is second on the table with three, followed by India, the UK, and Italy with two carriers each. France operates one nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, while Russia has one but remains inactive.
