Türkiye enhances naval power with launch of TCG İZMİT, TCG İZMİR frigates

Türkiye has significantly bolstered its naval capabilities with the recent launch of two İSTİF-class frigates, TCG İZMİR and TCG İZMİT, in the past two days. The new additions are part of a broader effort to modernize and strengthen Türkiye’s naval fleet.

According to SavunmaSanayiST.com, both ships boast a high level of domestic production, with more than 80 per cent of their components locally sourced, marking a significant achievement for Türkiye's defence industry, Caliber.Az reports.

#SONDAKİKA | %80 yerlilik oranına sahip TCG İZMİR’in ardından TCG İZMİT Firkateyni de denize indirildi!

Türkiye eş zamanlı olarak 7’si MİLGEM İSTİF Sınıfı Firkateyn olmak üzere 40’a yakın savaş gemisi inşa ediyor. Bunların 31’i Türk Donanması’na teslim edilecek. pic.twitter.com/USjb3Qi8cL

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) January 11, 2025

The İSTİF-class frigates are designed to undertake a variety of missions, ranging from surveillance and reconnaissance to anti-air and anti-submarine warfare. This versatility enhances the Turkish Navy’s operational readiness and ability to project power in key maritime regions.

The launch of the TCG İZMİR and TCG İZMİT comes shortly after the entry into service of the first ship of the class, TCG ISTANBUL, in January 2024. In total, eight İSTİF-class frigates are planned, and construction on the remaining ships is ongoing. 

The introduction of these advanced frigates is part of Türkiye’s broader strategy to modernize its military forces, which also includes the construction of other significant naval assets such as the TF-2000 air defence destroyer, the national submarine MİLDEN, and the upcoming national aircraft carrier, MUGEM.

With a robust shipbuilding program currently underway, including around 40 ships being constructed simultaneously, Türkiye is positioning itself as a growing naval power, capable of meeting both regional and global security challenges.

Built by Anadolu Tersanesi, one of the three private shipyards contracted to produce İSTİF class frigates, the new ship was unveiled at a ceremony at the Tuzla shipyard in Istanbul.

The TCG İZMİR, with hull number F-516, is a twin ship to the earlier launched TCG İSTANBUL, both being part of the İSTİF class of frigates. The vessel measures 113.2 meters in length and 14.4 meters in width, making it one of the most advanced warships in the Turkish naval fleet. Upon completion of outfitting and successful sea trials, TCG İZMİR will officially join the Turkish Navy, contributing to the country’s naval defence capabilities.

The İZMİR frigate is the sixth ship produced under the MILGEM project and the second in the İSTİF class. As part of the ongoing naval expansion, the construction of additional ships in this series is already underway, with the seventh through twelfth ships currently under development.

By Vafa Guliyeva