Turkish Shipyard Cuts Steel for Destroyer, Submarine & Aircraft Carrier

Construction activities have officially begun for three Turkish naval projects: the MUGEM National Aircraft Carrier, the TF-2000 Air Defense Warfare Destroyer, and the MİLDEN National Submarine.

The sheet metal cutting ceremonies for these vessels were recently held at the Istanbul Shipyard Command, Turkish media reported.

Turkey’s defense ministry reported that 31 ships are being constructed in domestic shipyards. MoD Press and Public Relations Advisor Brigadier General Zeki Akturk stated that MILDEN's construction began with the first weld at Golcuk Naval Shipyard, while initial steel cutting for the TF-2000 Air Defense Destroyer and National Aircraft Carrier occurred at Istanbul Naval Shipyard.

MUGEM National Aircraft Carrier

The MUGEM National Aircraft Carrier is poised to be a flagship of the Turkish Navy. The warship’s hull incorporates a multi-dimensional optimization system that enhances adaptability, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency. The vessel's specifications include a length of 285 meters, a displacement of 60,000 tons, maximum speed of 25 knots, and the capability to carry up to 50 manned and unmanned aerial vehicles. The propulsion system consists of four LM2500 gas turbines, providing a cruising speed of 14 knots and a range of 10,000 nautical miles. The ship can accommodate around 800 personnel.

The MUGEM’s unique design includes three runways—two for landing and one for takeoff. Initially, a modular ramp will facilitate operations, with plans to introduce a domestically-developed catapult system in the future. Aircraft slated for deployment include TUSAŞ's HÜRJET, the ANKA-3 Unmanned Combat Aircraft, BAYKAR's KIZILELMA, and the Bayraktar TB3 drone. Defense systems will feature a 32-cell MİDLAS Vertical Launch System, four GÖKDENİZ Close-In Weapon Systems, and seven ASELSAN 25mm STOP Remote Controlled Weapon Systems.

TF-2000 Air Defense Warfare Destroyer

The TF-2000 project was approved back in 2007. Turkey is concurrently building 31 military ships, some for export.

Designed by the Turkish Naval Forces Command, the TF-2000s will be the 13th to 16th vessels under the MİLGEM project, with service entry expected by 2030. These destroyers will feature domestically developed weaponry and sensors, including ASELSAN's ÇAFRAD phased array radar, capable of detecting targets over 450 kilometers. This radar system features multiple modules, such as long-range search, illumination, multi-function, and non-rotating IFF capabilities. The 8,300-twarship also features 64 MIDLAS vertical launch systems deploying air defense missiles like SİPER Block-1 and Block-2. Offensive munitions such as ATMACA and GEZGİN missiles are also supported.