Construction commences on three new Turkish Navy vessels

The Turkish Ministry of National Defence reports that construction has begun on two new surface ships and a submarine for the Turkish Navy.

Istanbul Naval Shipyard cut the first steel to be used in the construction of a MUGEM-class aircraft carrier and a TF-2000-class air warfare destroyer while Gölcük Naval Shipyard did the same for a MILDEN-class diesel-electric attack submarine.

The steel-cutting ceremonies for the three vessels were all held on Thursday, January 2.

The 285-metre-long, 60,000-tonne aircraft carrier will have capacity for up to 50 aircraft, including multi-role jet aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). There will be no catapults installed, as all launches of fixed-wing aircraft will be via a ski jump fitted at the bow.

The destroyer will have a length of 149 metres and a displacement of 8,300 tonnes upon completion, making it one of the largest vessels in the MILGEM family of surface combatants. Its armament will include a 127mm naval gun, surface-to-air missiles, and surface-to-surface missiles.

The submarine will meanwhile measure 80 metres long and displace approximately 2,700 tonnes. In addition to being armed with torpedoes, it will also be equipped with land attack and anti-ship missiles.