Türkiye launches TCG İZMİR frigate, expanding naval capabilities PHOTO/VIDEO

Türkiye has successfully launched the TCG İZMİR frigate, marking another significant achievement in the country's growing naval capabilities.

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, Caliber.Az reports citing Turkish sources.

🔴 TCG İZMİR, MİLGEM Projesi’nin en yüksek yerlilik oranına sahip gemilerinden bir tanesi olacak. https://t.co/M5rvkBPWBh pic.twitter.com/IVoLo0ZctE

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) January 10, 2025

This milestone comes as part of Türkiye's ambitious MILGEM (National Ship) project, which aims to enhance the Turkish Navy's strategic power and self-sufficiency in defence.

MİLGEM Projesi’nin 6, İSTİF Sınıfı Firkateynlerin ise TCG İSTANBUL’un ardından 2’nci gemisi olan TCG İZMİR, denize indirildi!

— 6 kardeşinin daha inşa faaliyetleri devam ediyor! pic.twitter.com/l4WuIt61IF

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) January 10, 2025

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