Türkiye launches construction of MUGEM national aircraft carrier PHOTO / VIDEO

The MUGEM national aircraft carrier is being constructed in Türkiye.

Thus, the MUGEM will be equipped with a 32-cell vertical launch system (MİDLAS), designed to house air defence missiles, GEZGİN cruise missiles, and ATMACA anti-ship missiles, Caliber.Az reports, citing the message of SavunmaSanayiST.com on X.

🔴İnşa faaliyetlerine başlanılan Mili Uçak Gemisi MUGEM’in;

▪️4 adet GÖKDENİZ Yakın Hava Savunma Top Sistemi’ne,

▪️32 Hücreli MİDLAS Dikey Atım Sistemi’ne (Seyir, Gemisavar, Hava Savunma Füzeleri Atabilir)

▪️7 adet STAMP Stabilize Top Sistemi’ne sahip olması planlanıyor.… pic.twitter.com/0tCeeNY5Iv

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) January 6, 2025

Moreover, the carrier will feature four GÖKDENİZ close-in weapon systems for air defence and seven STAMP stabilised machine gun systems.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as KIZILELMA and ANKA-3 will also be deployed on board. 

The MUGEM project was first unveiled publicly in February 2024, when President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited the Design Project Office at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard. Since then, the project has garnered widespread attention. 

In April 2024, journalists were given a behind-the-scenes tour at the shipyard, where Turkish naval officials shared updates on the project, including details about the ship design and capabilities. MUGEM features an optimized hull form, developed using a multi-dimensional optimization tool, which ensures excellent seakeeping, stability, and high maneuverability.

These capabilities have been proven through internal simulation tools, making the carrier a robust asset in various sea conditions. The bow design, in particular, delivers a 1.5 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and improves underwater noise propagation, enhancing both the efficiency and operational stealth of the vessel.

By Naila Huseynova