The Turkish Navy unveiled the mockup of its future aircraft carrier, “MUGEM,” for the first time at the SAHA EXPO 2024 defense industry exhibition, held in Istanbul from October 22-26, 2024.
At SAHA EXPO 2024, the Turkish Navy showcased the mockup of its future aircraft carrier, MUGEM, for the first time. “MUGEM” stands for Milli Uçak Gemisi, meaning “National Aircraft Carrier,” highlighting Turkiye’s ambition to develop the carrier without foreign assistance. This project represents a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts toward self-reliance in naval defense capabilities.
The conceptual design phase for MUGEM is still underway, but Turkish officials have made it clear that the carrier will be built entirely domestically, reflecting Turkiye’s growing expertise in the naval shipbuilding sector.
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.
Design, Hull Form, 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.
Armament and Self-Defense
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
The unveiling of the MUGEM mockup at SAHA EXPO 2024 signals Turkey’s determination to elevate its naval power with a fully indigenous aircraft carrier. With the country’s growing expertise in defense technologies and its focus on indigenous solutions, MUGEM is poised to become a central asset in Turkey’s maritime defense strategy.
