The announcement made by the spokesman of the Turkish Defence Ministry during the weekly press conference, which was shared by the social media accounts of the Ministry.
According to the Spokesman, the cutting steel ceremonies of the MUGEM and TF-2000 was conducted in Istanbul Naval Shipyard, while the ceremony for MILDEN (Milli Denizaltı – means national submarine) was held by the Gölcük Naval Shipyard. The video released by the Defence Ministry suggests that the ceremonies were only attended by Turkish Navy officials and Shipyards’ representatives.
MUGEM (Milli Uçak Gemisi – National Aircraft Carrier)
The MUGEM project was first unveiled publicly in February 2024, when President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited the Design Project Office at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard. Since then, the project has garnered widespread attention. In April 2024, journalists were given a behind-the-scenes tour at the shipyard, where Turkish naval officials shared updates on the project, including details about the ship’s design and capabilities.
MUGEM features an optimized hull form, developed using a multi-dimensional optimization tool, which ensures excellent seakeeping, stability, and high maneuverability. These capabilities have been proven through internal simulation tools, making the carrier a robust asset in various sea conditions. The bow design, in particular, delivers a 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption and improves underwater noise propagation, enhancing both the efficiency and operational stealth of the vessel.
The carrier is set to feature three runways—two for takeoff and one for landing. Initially, the carrier will be built without a catapult system, opting instead for a modular ramp design. However, Turkish engineers are already working on an indigenous catapult system, which is expected to replace the modular ramp in the future, further enhancing the carrier’s operational capabilities.
The carrier is expected to house up to 50 aircraft, including manned and unmanned systems. The current plan allocates space for 20 aircraft on the deck and 30 in the hangar. Some of the aircraft slated for deployment include the naval version of TAI’s Hurjet light attack aircraft, TAI’s ANKA-III unmanned jet fighter, Baykar’s Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned jet fighter, and the TB-3 UCAV. Turkish defense officials have hinted that the carrier’s aircraft capacity may increase as the project progresses, and discussions with Turkish defense companies TAI and Baykar are already underway.
For its self-defense capabilities, MUGEM will be armed with a 32-cell (8×4) MIDLAS Vertical Launching System (VLS) and four Gökdeniz Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS). Additionally, six Aselsan 25mm STOP Remote Weapon Systems will provide close-range defense mainly against asymmetric threats.
Technical Specifications
The MUGEM aircraft carrier is designed to be a formidable asset for the Turkish Navy, with the following technical specifications:
- Length: 285 meters
- Beam: 72 meters
- Draft: 10.1 meters
- Displacement: 60,000 tons
- Max Speed: 25+ knots
- Cruising Speed: 14 knots
- Range: 10,000 nautical miles at cruising speed
- Propulsion: Combined Gas Turbine and Gas Turbine (COGAG) system with four LM2500 gas turbines, providing a total of 23 MW each
- Personnel Capacity: Accommodation for at least 800 personnel
- Aircraft Capacity: 50 manned/unmanned aircraft
- Combat Management System: ADVENT CMS
- Bow Design: 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption and improved underwater noise propagation
TF-2000 AAW Destroyer Project
As the final phase of Turkey’s MILGEM program, the Turkish Naval Forces initiated the TF-2000 project in July 2017 in response to a requirement for air defense destroyers. The TF-2000 destroyers will be capable of detecting low/medium/high altitude short/medium/long range guided missiles and ballistic missiles, as well as destroying non-ballistic missiles.
A total of 8,300 tons is planned for the TF-2000 destroyers, which will be the largest ships built under the MILGEM Program. The destroyers will have an overall length of 149 meters with a beam of 21.5 meters, and a draft of 5.75 meters. Main power will come from two gas turbine and two diesel engines (CODOG configuration), delivering a top speed of 26+ knots.
The TF-2000 destroyer will feature a formidable array of weapon systems, ensuring its versatility and combat effectiveness in various operational scenarios. Its primary gun will be a 127mm main gun, providing powerful fire support for surface engagements, as well as naval gunfire support. The destroyer will also be equipped with a 96-cell (32+64) indigenous Vertical Launch System (MİDLAS), capable of launching a variety of advanced munitions.
Among the munitions deployable from MİDLAS are indigenous surface-to-air missiles, potentially from the SIPER air defense system, and the highly anticipated GEZGİN land-attack missiles. Additionally, the destroyer will carry 16 ATMACA anti-ship missiles (AshM) for engaging naval and coastal targets.
For close-in defense, the destroyer will be fitted a RAM-like point defence missile system (probably Roketsan’s Levent or Aselsan’s Göksur) and Gökdeniz Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) will provide a critical layer of protection against incoming threats such as missiles and drones. The TF-2000 is also expected to be armed with lightweight torpedoes for ASW, likely the Aselsan ORKA, to enhance its underwater combat capabilities. Complementing these systems will be stabilized remote weapon systems, such as the ASELSAN STAMP and/or STOP, offering flexible and precise firepower for a range of scenarios.
The primary sensor for air survellience will be CAFRAD, a fixed face GaN AESA radar which can track more than 2000 contacts within 450 km range. It will also feature an LPI navigational radar, EO directors, integrated sonar system including bow mounted and towed array sonars (Aselsan Düfas), coupled to ADVENT combat management system.
MILDEN (Milli Denizaltı – National Submarine)
Aiming to build and create a new class of submarine, the MILDEN represents an ambitious effort by the Turkish defense sector, which is also developing a suite of electrical, telecommunications and sensor technologies as well as propulsion and armament systems that will be incorporated into the vessel.
The national submarine development program, which is coordinated by the Turkish Naval Research Center Command, began in March 2012. After the conceptual design phase was completed last year, the construction has begun today, as planned. The submarines are aimed to be delivered to the Turkish Navy in the first half of the 2030s.
The design and engineering works of the MILDEN project have been carried out at the “MILDEN Design Office” in Gölcük Naval Shipyard. Currently, 28 personnel (23 engineers, 5 technical designers) are working in this office.
The MİLDEN (National Submarine) platform is poised to become a major achievement in Turkey’s defense industry, showcasing advanced technologies alongside indigenous capabilities. Measuring over 80 meters in length, the submarine will have a surface displacement of approximately 2,700 tons, making it a formidable addition to Turkey’s naval forces.
The submarine will feature an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, which significantly enhances its stealth and operational endurance. This system allows the submarine to remain submerged for extended periods without surfacing, reducing its vulnerability to detection and increasing its strategic value.
MİLDEN will also be equipped with a range of cutting-edge weapon systems. It will carry the AKYA heavyweight torpedo, a domestically developed munition designed for anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare. Additionally, it will launch the ATMACA anti-ship missile, a long-range, precision-guided weapon for engaging sea-based targets. Furthermore, the submarine is expected to fire the GEZGİN land-attack missile, currently under development by Roketsan, which will extend its deep strike capabilities to land-based targets.
