Türkiye Pushes Boundaries with Naval Variant of KAAN Fighter for Aircraft Carrier Operations
The MUGEM aircraft carrier is being developed to accommodate a range of domestically produced aerial platforms, significantly expanding Türkiye’s ability to project power at sea.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Türkiye is charting an ambitious course in naval aviation with plans to develop a carrier-capable variant of its fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet, designed to operate from the nation’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, Milli Uçak Gemisi (MUGEM), currently under construction.
Speaking to a Turkish media outlet, Albay Ucar, Director of the Naval Design Project Office (DPO), underscored the strategic significance of Türkiye’s aircraft carrier initiative, noting that once completed, it would place the country among the elite group of eight nations worldwide that possess an operational aircraft carrier.
The MUGEM aircraft carrier is being developed to accommodate a range of domestically produced aerial platforms, significantly expanding Türkiye’s ability to project power at sea.
According to Ucar, feasibility studies are already underway to adapt the KAAN fighter jet for carrier-based operations, enabling it to take off and land from MUGEM’s flight deck.
“If a naval variant of KAAN is developed, we are working closely with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) to ensure full compatibility for takeoff and landing operations on the aircraft carrier,” Ucar stated.
The KAAN fighter, a cornerstone of Türkiye’s next-generation airpower strategy, is expected to enter service with the Turkish Air Force (TAF) by 2028, with over 100 units planned for deployment by 2032.
“KAAN”
The program is being led by TAI, Türkiye’s premier aerospace and defense contractor.
Ucar also confirmed that in addition to the KAAN naval variant, Türkiye’s MUGEM aircraft carrier will be capable of operating a variety of unmanned and manned aerial assets, including:
“Our domestically produced aircraft, including Baykar’s Kizilelma and Bayraktar TB3, as well as TAI’s HÜRJET and ANKA-3, will be fully capable of taking off and landing from our aircraft carrier,” he added.
Türkiye officially launched construction of its first indigenous aircraft carrier, MUGEM, in early January, marking a significant step in its long-term naval modernization program.
The steel-cutting ceremony took place at Istanbul Shipyard, signifying the country’s commitment to developing an independent, domestically built naval force.
Once completed, MUGEM will be Türkiye’s largest-ever warship, boasting a full displacement of 60,000 tons—more than twice the size of the TCG Anadolu, which currently stands as the nation’s largest naval vessel at 28,000 tons with a length of 230 meters.
“KAAN” during its second flight.
Unlike the TCG Anadolu, which was specifically designed as a drone carrier, MUGEM will serve as a fully operational aircraft carrier, capable of deploying both manned and unmanned combat aircraft.
In February 2023, the Naval Design Project Office (DPO) stated that the carrier’s construction would be undertaken entirely by Turkish engineers and domestic expertise, without reliance on foreign technical assistance.
The MUGEM aircraft carrier will measure 285 meters in length and 72 meters in width, with a full displacement of 60,000 tons, positioning it in the medium-sized aircraft carrier category—comparable to the British Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.
Designed to project power beyond Türkiye’s immediate maritime borders, the MUGEM will be capable of reaching speeds of 25 knots, with an operational range of 10,000 nautical miles at 14 knots.
To achieve this level of performance, the vessel will be powered by four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, supported by two adjustable propellers to enhance maneuverability in various maritime conditions.
The carrier’s flight deck will feature three dedicated runways—two for landings and one for takeoff.
MUGEM
While initial designs included a modular ramp system, the Turkish Navy has instead opted for an advanced electromagnetic catapult system (EMALS), which is currently under development by Turkish engineers.
The MUGEM carrier air wing is expected to house up to 50 aircraft, consisting of:
20 combat aircraft stationed on the flight deck
30 additional aircraft housed within the carrier’s hangar bay
This complement will include a mix of manned fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and helicopters, both utility and attack variants.
The carrier is also set to be operated by a crew of approximately 800 personnel once fully operational.
To ensure its survivability in modern combat scenarios, the MUGEM aircraft carrier will be heavily armed with an array of advanced missile defense and close-in protection systems, including:
32-cell (2×16) MİDLAS Vertical Launch System (VLS) for missile defense
Four GÖKDENİZ Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) for short-range air and missile threats
Seven ASELSAN 25mm STOP Remote-Controlled Weapon Systems (RCWS) to counter asymmetric threats, such as suicide drones and explosive-laden unmanned boats
The MUGEM project represents a pivotal moment in Türkiye’s naval expansion strategy, positioning the country as a formidable maritime power with long-range force projection capabilities.
By integrating fifth-generation carrier-capable fighter jets, unmanned combat aerial vehicles, and a sophisticated naval defense system, Türkiye is signaling its ambition to become a dominant player in regional and global security affairs.
With construction now underway and plans for the KAAN naval variant progressing, MUGEM is set to be a game-changer for Türkiye’s defense industry, further reinforcing its status as a rising military power on the world stage.