IRIA News

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The Turkish Navy has commenced the new year with an ambitious announcement regarding constructing three advanced warships based on indigenous designs. The projects include MUGEM Aircraft Carrier, TF-2000 Destroyer, and MILDEN Submarine.

This initiative brings the total number of Turkish naval ships under construction to 31, showcasing the country’s resolve to enhance its local shipbuilding expertise.

The projects align with Turkey’s broader political and military goals, which emphasize long-range force projection and robust strike capabilities.

MILDEN Submarine Project

The construction of the National Submarine (MILDEN) has officially begun at Golcuk Naval Shipyard on the eastern coast of the Sea of Marmara. This diesel-electric submarine represents a significant milestone in Turkey’s defense strategy, featuring a displacement of approximately 2,700 tons and a length exceeding 80 meters.

Equipped with an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, the MILDEN is designed for extended submerged endurance, significantly enhancing its stealth and operational capabilities.

Güçlü ordu, güçlü Türkiye!

Millî Denizaltı'mızın (MİLDEN) ilk kaynağı Gölcük Tersanesi Komutanlığımızda, “TF-2000 Hava Savunma Harbi Muhribi” ve “Millî Uçak Gemisi"nin ilk sac kesimleri ise İstanbul Tersanesi Komutanlığımızda yapılarak inşalarına başlandı.… pic.twitter.com/4V43iamYGG

— T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) January 2, 2025

The submarine will be armed with domestically developed weapons such as the AKYA heavyweight torpedo, the ATMACA anti-ship missile, and the forthcoming GEZGIN land-attack missile, demonstrating its versatility in combat scenarios.

The project has been years in the making. Initiated in 2012, its conceptual design phase concluded last year, and the submarine is expected to be delivered to the Turkish Navy in the early 2030s.

TF-2000 Destroyer

Simultaneously, the Turkish Navy has begun construction of the TF-2000 air-defense destroyer, a critical addition to Turkey’s naval fleet. Work on this project began in 2017, and its design has undergone multiple refinements to ensure cutting-edge performance.

The TF-2000 is a formidable vessel measuring 149 meters in length, 21.3 meters in width, and featuring a displacement of 8,300 tons. Powered by a CODOG propulsion system, the ship can reach speeds of 26 knots or more, offering a blend of speed and endurance.

Armed with a 127mm main gun, 96-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS) developed under Turkey’s MIDLAS program, and Gokdeniz Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS), the TF-2000 is equipped to counter a range of threats, including guided missiles and ballistic projectiles. Its advanced sensor suite, led by the CAFRAD fixed-face GaN AESA radar, offers a surveillance range of 450 kilometers, enabling it to track over 2,000 contacts simultaneously.

Additionally, the destroyer will feature advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, including bow-mounted and towed array sonar systems developed by Aselsan.

MUGEM Aircraft Carrier

Turkey’s naval ambitions extend to the construction of the MUGEM aircraft carrier, which promises to be a cornerstone of the fleet. With a length of 285 meters, a beam of 72 meters, and a displacement of 60,000 tons, the carrier will serve as a platform for both manned and unmanned aircraft.

Powered by a Combined Gas Turbine and Gas Turbine (COGAG) system with four LM2500 gas turbines, the MUGEM can reach a top speed of 25 knots and has a cruising range of 10,000 nautical miles. The vessel will be equipped with the ADVENT Combat Management System and cutting-edge design features, such as an optimized bow structure for reduced fuel consumption and noise propagation.

The MUGEM will house up to 50 aircraft, providing Turkey with enhanced force projection and strategic capabilities in the region.

Turkey’s shipbuilding programs are a direct reflection of its broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. By developing cutting-edge platforms like the MILDEN submarine, TF-2000 destroyer, and MUGEM aircraft carrier domestically, Turkey aims to achieve self-sufficiency while boosting its defense exports.

With 31 naval vessels under construction and the recent launch of these high-profile projects, Turkey is charting an assertive course in maritime defense. The nation’s focus on indigenous designs not only strengthens its military capabilities but also positions it as a key player in the global defense sector.

As these vessels come to fruition over the next decade, the Turkish Navy will undoubtedly gain significant leverage in safeguarding its interests and asserting its presence in regional and global waters.