Türkiye’s new indigenous aircraft carrier project featured in China’s PLA Daily
Baykar Bayraktar TB3, carrier-based medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE), successfully performs landing and take-off tests on the TCG Anadolu sailing off the coast of Canakkale for two more times without the use of support equipment in Türkiye on November 26, 2024. (Baykar - Anadolu Agency)
Türkiye’s national aircraft carrier project, has been prominently featured in the official newspaper of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), highlighting its strategic significance.
In an article published by PLA Daily, China’s military newspaper, it was reported that Türkiye has announced the commencement of a large aircraft carrier construction.
The report emphasized that the 60,000-ton vessel would be twice the size of Türkiye’s largest warship, the 28,000-ton TCG Anadolu, under the headline: “Türkiye Begins Formation of a Dual Aircraft Carrier Group.”
Key details of Türkiye’s new aircraft carrier
The article cited Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler’s announcement, confirming that, along with the new aircraft carrier, Türkiye has begun constructing a submarine and a destroyer.
According to PLA Daily, this development will make Türkiye one of the few nations to operate a dual aircraft carrier group.
The ship, being built at the Istanbul Shipyard, will measure 285 meters in length, 72 meters in width, and have a draft depth of 10.1 meters. The vessel is expected to achieve a top speed of 25 knots and have a range of 10,000 nautical miles.
It will be reportedly capable of carrying 20 aircraft on its flight deck and 30 more in its hangar, totaling a capacity of 50 combat aircraft.
The aircraft carrier will feature three runways, two for takeoff and one for landing, and will initially be built without a catapult system, opting instead for a modular ramp design.
However, Turkish engineers are already working on an indigenous catapult system, which is expected to replace the modular ramp in the future, further enhancing the carrier’s operational capabilities.
The aircraft carrier is expected to house up to 50 aircraft, including manned and unmanned systems. The current plan allocates space for 20 aircraft on the deck and 30 in the hangar. Some of the aircraft scheduled for deployment include the naval version of TAI’s Hurjet light attack aircraft, TAI’s ANKA-III unmanned jet fighter, Baykar’s Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned jet fighter, and the TB-3 UCAV.
Turkish defense officials have hinted that the carrier’s aircraft capacity may increase as the project progresses, and discussions with Turkish defense companies TAI and Baykar are already underway.
Armament and self-defense
For its self-defense capabilities, MUGEM will be armed with a 32-cell (8×4) MIDLAS Vertical Launching System (VLS) and four Gokdeniz Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS).
Additionally, six Aselsan 25mm STOP Remote Weapon Systems will provide close-range defense mainly against asymmetric threats.
Technical specifications
The MUGEM, “MUGEM” stands for Milli Ucak Gemisi, meaning “National Aircraft Carrier, aircraft carrier is designed to be a formidable asset for the Turkish Navy, with the following technical specifications:
- Length: 285 meters
- Beam: 72 meters
- Draft: 10.1 meters
- Displacement: 60,000 tons
- Max Speed: 25+ knots
- Cruising Speed: 14 knots
- Range: 10,000 nautical miles at cruising speed
- Propulsion: Combined Gas Turbine and Gas Turbine (COGAG) system with four LM2500 gas turbines, providing a total of 23 MW each
- Personnel Capacity: Accommodation for at least 800 personnel
- Aircraft Capacity: 50 manned/unmanned aircraft
- Combat Management System: ADVENT CMS
- Bow Design: 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption and improved underwater noise propagation
Enhanced domestic production and advanced defense systems
The article noted that the indigenous components in the new carrier are expected to surpass 80%, exceeding that of TCG Anadolu. The ship will be equipped with:
- A 32-cell vertical launch system developed by the Turkish defense industry
- Four close-in weapon systems (CIWS)
- Seven remote-controlled weapon stations
Furthermore, Türkiye aims to integrate its own aircraft launch system into the carrier, further strengthening its defense capabilities.
A step toward defense industry independence
According to PLA Daily, this initiative aligns with Türkiye’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in its defense industry.
Over 40 Turkish defense firms are contributing to the project, reinforcing Türkiye’s strategic ambition of developing an independent naval force.
The report also highlighted Türkiye’s maritime security concerns, particularly its disputes with Greece in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, and its broader efforts to enhance global naval influence.
