Türkiye to enhance maritime capabilities with new indigenous aircraft carrier

Türkiye is advancing its operational capabilities with the development of a new indigenous aircraft carrier.

Initiated under the directive of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Design Project Office, affiliated with the Turkish Naval Forces Command of the Ministry of National Defense, is working on a vessel larger than the TCG Anadolu which is classified as LHD.

Design, specifications and STOBAR system

The planned carrier will include two take-off and one landing runway, with a capacity for at least 50 manned and unmanned aerial vehicles. Collaboration with leading aviation firms, Baykar and TUSAS, has been central to the design of the flight deck.

The hull design is complete, with resistance and propulsion analyses conducted, and the propeller design finalized.

The carrier is projected to be 258 meters in length and 72 meters in width, with a displacement of 60,000 tons. It will be capable of reaching speeds of at least 25 knots and will have a range of 10,000 nautical miles with no refueling.

The ship is designed to carry 50 aircraft, including unmanned aerial vehicles, manned aircraft, and helicopters. Its power system will consist of four LM2500 gas turbines.

The Turkish Naval Forces Command currently uses the LM2500 series to power Barbaros and Gabya class frigates and the Fleet Replenishment and Combat Support Ship.

STOBAR System

The aircraft carrier will utilize the STOBAR system, which means “Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery” for take-off and landing operations.

In this system, aircraft accelerate and take off using their engine power, aided by the lift provided by a ramp, commonly referred to as a Ski-Jump. This type of system is employed on both British and Russian aircraft carriers.

For landing, a hook system will be used to enable a short landing distance. The aircraft will decelerate and come to a stop over a short distance using the hook system. In naval aviation, this process is referred to as STOBAR.

Key development stages

Significant progress has been made, including the completion of the conceptual design phase. The 3D general layout is advancing quickly.

The project will move to the detailed design phase following the finalization of the preliminary design. Construction is expected to begin at military shipyards thereafter.

Strategic significance Assoc. professor Dr. Engineer Colonel Hakan Ucar, Director of the Design Project Office, highlighted the strategic importance of the new aircraft carrier.

“This vessel will enhance the naval forces’ ability to safeguard interests in overseas areas and support multi-purpose operations,” Ucar stated.

Enhanced capabilities compared to TCG Anadolu

Türkiye is developing a new indigenous aircraft carrier, set to be larger and more capable than the TCG Anadolu, to strengthen its maritime operational capabilities.

The new indigenous carrier is designed to surpass the TCG Anadolu in size and capabilities. The new vessel will have a higher domestic production rate, exceeding 80%, and will be twice the size and displacement of the TCG Anadolu, accommodating twice as many aircraft.

Its cruising range will be extended to 10,000 nautical miles, compared to the TCG Anadolu’s 9,000 nautical miles, and it will achieve higher speeds with an advanced propulsion system.

This new aircraft carrier is expected to expand the operational range of the Turkish Armed Forces.