Türkiye Begins Steel Cutting to Launch Construction of National Aircraft Carrier

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Türkiye has officially commenced construction of its first national aircraft carrier, known as MUGEM (Milli Uçak Gemisi), with the steel-cutting ceremony taking place at Istanbul Shipyard.

According to a statement from Türkiye’s Ministry of Defence, in addition to the steel-cutting for the construction of the national aircraft carrier, similar steel-cutting processes were carried out at Istanbul Shipyard for the construction of the MILDEN national submarine and the TF-2000 air defense destroyer.

The construction of Türkiye’s first aircraft carrier involves the use of multi-dimensional equipment aimed at enhancing its capability to navigate complex maritime environments and improve agility during operations.

These features, tested through simulations, will enable the vessel to operate effectively in diverse waters.

The design of the national aircraft carrier, which is being developed by the Turkish Navy, was unveiled for the first time at SAHA EXPO 2024 in Istanbul last October.

Türkiye plans to construct the carrier for naval use, with a size twice that of its largest warship to date, the TCG Anadolu, which has a displacement of 28,000 tons and a length of 230 meters.

The Mediterranean nation first revealed its intention to build the aircraft carrier in February, when President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited the Istanbul Shipyard Design Project Office (DPO).

According to the DPO, the project will be carried out entirely with domestic expertise and resources, without external assistance.

This underscores the nation’s technological capabilities in undertaking large-scale naval defense projects.

Possessing an aircraft carrier, even one powered by conventional systems rather than nuclear propulsion, will further solidify Türkiye’s status as a regional power in the Mediterranean.

With its first carrier, Türkiye will be able to project military power beyond its maritime borders, reinforcing Ankara’s position as a regional force.

Data from SAHA EXPO indicates that the carrier, designed domestically, will be the largest and most advanced warship in Türkiye’s military history.

The carrier’s specifications list a length of 285 meters, a beam of 72 meters, and a displacement of up to 60,000 tons.

These dimensions place the vessel in the medium-sized category, comparable to the UK’s HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales carriers.

The carrier will have a top speed of 25 knots and an operational range of 10,000 nautical miles at 14 knots.

To achieve this, it will be powered by four General Electric LM25000 gas turbines and two adjustable propellers, ensuring enhanced maneuverability at sea.

The vessel will feature three runways—two for landings and one for takeoff.

Initially planned to use a modular ramp, the carrier will ultimately incorporate a catapult system developed by Turkish engineers.

The carrier will accommodate around 50 aircraft, including both manned and unmanned platforms, as well as helicopters for utility and attack roles.

 

Up to 20 combat aircraft will be stationed on the flight deck, while the remaining 30 will be housed in the hangar.

Preliminary information suggests that Türkiye is also considering developing a naval variant of its fifth-generation KAAN fighter, which could eventually operate from the carrier, though this plan remains in the early stages.

The aircraft carrier is expected to operate with a crew of approximately 800 personnel.

In terms of weaponry, the carrier will be equipped with a range of systems, including a 32-cell (2×16) MİDLAS Vertical Launch System (VLS) and four GÖKDENİZ Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS). Additionally, seven ASELSAN 25mm STOP Remote-Controlled Weapon Systems will provide close-range defense against asymmetric threats, such as unmanned suicide drones and boats. — DSA