Türkiye unveils new aircraft carrier: Strategic shift in regional naval dominance

Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Turkish Navy, delivered a special statement during the ceremony commemorating the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the Naval War College and the Naval Academy.

Tatlouglu addressed the construction of Türkiye’s second aircraft carrier following the amphibious assault ship TCG ANADOLU, Defence Turk wrote on X page, Caliber.Az reports.

🛡️🇹🇷MUGEM'in özellikleri belli oldu!

🔸Hava araçları: Bayraktar TB3, ANKA 3, HÜRJET, KIZILELMA
🔸Uzunluk: 285 metre
🔸Deplasman: 60.000 ton
🔗https://t.co/5N2476OU1I pic.twitter.com/F61g3f1yJ6

— Defence Turk (@Defence_Turk) October 22, 2024

In response to questions from MarineDeal News, he revealed that research is ongoing for the development of a larger aircraft carrier for the Turkish Navy, expected to measure between 260 and 280 metres. This national aircraft carrier is set to accommodate various unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including the strike UAV Bayraktar TB3, the stealth bomber ANKA-3, the attack aircraft HÜRJET, and the KIZILELMA fighter drone.

The vessel will feature a hull design optimised through advanced modelling techniques, ensuring excellent seaworthiness, stability, and high manoeuvrability. Its bow design offers advantages such as a 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption and lower underwater noise levels.

Technical Specifications:

• Aircraft: Bayraktar TB3, ANKA-3, HÜRJET, KIZILELMA.

• Crew: 400-500 personnel, equipped with Level 2 medical facilities.

• Operational Range: 10,000 nautical miles, with unlimited maritime operations and a minimum of 60 days of autonomy without resupply.

• Main Propulsion: COGAG configuration with four gas turbines and two controllable pitch propellers.

• Length: 285 metres.

• Displacement: 60,000 tonnes.

• Maximum Speed: 25 knots.

• Take-off/Landing: STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery).

This ambitious project reflects Türkiye’s commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities and solidifying its position in regional maritime affairs.

By Aghakazim Guliyev