Türkiye’s flagship warship TCG Gelibolu to join NATO’s maritime force PHOTO

Türkiye’s most advanced warship, the TCG Gelibolu, is officially set to join Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) on July 9, marking a significant step in the country’s naval power projection and its continued commitment to alliance operations.

The Turkish Ministry of National Defence confirmed the deployment, highlighting it as a major milestone for the Navy. With its cutting-edge systems and extended operational reach, the 4,100-ton Gabya-class frigate is widely recognized as the Turkish fleet’s “Floating Fortress,” Caliber.Az reports per the article by Amy Recognisition.

The move reinforces NATO’s collective maritime security efforts, particularly in the Mediterranean, where regional tensions continue to evolve.

Originally commissioned in the early 2000s, TCG Gelibolu has undergone successive modernizations, most notably the integration of the indigenous GENESIS combat management system. Developed by Türkiye’s own defense industry, GENESIS links advanced radar, electronic warfare capabilities, the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), and NATO-standard communications such as Link-11 and Link-16. This ensures full interoperability during multinational missions — a capability that will now be directly leveraged by NATO’s high-readiness naval group.

According to official specifications, the 138-meter vessel is powered by two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, generating 41,000 horsepower and capable of reaching speeds close to 30 knots. With a range of 5,400 nautical miles and accommodation for two Seahawk helicopters, the warship is suited for long-range missions, including transatlantic operations.

Defense officials note that TCG Gelibolu brings a comprehensive multi-role combat capability to SNMG2, capable of engaging in air defense, surface warfare, and anti-submarine operations — all while sustaining long-duration deployments without requiring resupply.

Military analysts see the deployment as part of Türkiye’s ongoing strategic shift to enhance its maritime presence under the “Blue Homeland” doctrine, projecting power across surrounding seas while strengthening NATO’s deterrence posture. The warship has previously participated in NATO vigilance activities and regional missions such as Operation Mediterranean Shield, further bolstering its operational credibility.

Standing NATO Maritime Group Two is one of the Alliance’s four permanent multinational maritime groups. Comprising destroyers, frigates, and support ships from various NATO countries, SNMG2 maintains a constant naval presence in key waters like the Mediterranean and Black Sea, conducting security operations and rapid response missions.

In a statement, the Turkish Naval Command described the integration of TCG Gelibolu into SNMG2 as a “strong message of allied solidarity and operational readiness.” The move, they added, reflects Türkiye’s resolve to protect common maritime interests and actively contribute to the Alliance’s defense architecture.

As TCG Gelibolu joins NATO’s frontline fleet, its presence symbolizes both the progress of Türkiye’s naval modernization and its role as a committed NATO ally at sea.

By Sabina Mammadli