The Turkish Ministry of National Defense has officially announced the start of three major defense industry projects, marking a historic leap forward. The construction of the TF-2000 Air Defense Destroyer, the MILDEN National Submarine, and the MUGEM National Aircraft Carrier has begun with the first steel cuttings carried out at Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command. This monumental step positions Turkey among the global defense powerhouses.
At a press briefing, Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk, Advisor for Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of National Defense, shared details about these groundbreaking initiatives. He stated, “The first steel cuttings for the TF-2000 Air Defense Destroyer and the National Aircraft Carrier have been completed at Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command, marking the commencement of their construction.”
A Triple Milestone in Turkish Defense Industry
Rear Admiral Akturk emphasized the critical role of Turkey’s defense industry in strengthening its Armed Forces under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He added, “The Turkish Armed Forces are growing stronger every day, enhancing their deterrence capabilities. As part of this vision, the new-generation Firtina Howitzer, Nefer Turreted Armored Combat Vehicle, and MILKED Electronic Support System have successfully passed inspection and acceptance processes.”
Akturk also highlighted the ongoing construction of 31 ships at Turkish shipyards to modernize and expand the Navy’s capabilities. Among these projects, the MILDEN National Submarine’s initial welding began at Gölcük Naval Shipyard Command, while the TF-2000 Destroyer and National Aircraft Carrier are being built in Istanbul.
Key Features of the MILDEN National Submarine
Scheduled for completion by 2031, the MILDEN submarine will feature an air-independent propulsion system. It will be equipped with Turkey’s domestically developed and future weapon systems, including the Akya, Atmaca, and Gezgin missiles. The submarine will be 80 meters long with a displacement exceeding 2,700 tons.
MUGEM National Aircraft Carrier: Technical Specifications
The MUGEM National Aircraft Carrier will surpass TCG Anadolu in size and capability. It will host Bayraktar TB3, Anka 3, Kizilelma UAVs, and the Hurjet light combat aircraft. At 285 meters in length and with a displacement of 60,000 tons, the carrier will achieve a maximum speed of 25 knots and a range of 10,000 nautical miles. By comparison, the TCG Anadolu measures 231 meters in length, 32 meters in width, and offers a maximum speed of 20.5 knots.
These ambitious projects underline Turkey’s commitment to achieving a fully independent and globally recognized defense industry while significantly bolstering its naval power on a global scale.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök