Upgraded Turkish frigate joins Mavi Vatan-2025 naval drills VIDEO

The Turkish Navy's Mavi Vatan-2025 ("Blue Homeland-2025") exercises are underway, with the newly modernized TCG ORUÇREIS frigate playing a key role.

According to the X page of the Turkish defence portal SavunmaSanayiST.com, the frigate's upgrade has significantly enhanced its capabilities, Caliber.Az reports.

The TCG ORUÇREIS, a Barbaros-class frigate, underwent comprehensive modernization, integrating cutting-edge systems. These include ATMACA anti-ship missiles, ARES electronic warfare/support systems, MAR-D and AKREP radars, the 360-degree infrared search and tracking system PİRI-KATS E/O, GÖKDENİZ 25mm close-in air defence artillery, ADVENT SYS fire control system, HIZIR torpedo countermeasure system, FERSAH sonar, and a 127mm gun with a TAKS fire control system.

Almıyoruz, Yapıyoruz!

TCG ORUÇREİS, modernizasyon sonrasında; ATMACA Füzeleri, ARES Elektronik Harp/Destek Sistemi, MAR-D ve AKREP Radarları, PİRİ-KATS E/O, 25mm STOP’lar, GÖKDENİZ CIWS, ADVENT SYS, HIZIR Torpido Karşı Tedbir Sistemi, FERSAH Sonar ve 127mm TAKS ile görevde! pic.twitter.com/lbPZnr2OzE

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) January 9, 2025

The ship's specifications are impressive: it measures 118 meters (387 feet 2 inches) in length, 14.8 meters (48 feet 7 inches) in width, and has a draft of 4.3 meters (14 feet 1 inch). 

Moreover, with a displacement of 3,380 tons when fully loaded, the TCG ORUÇREIS can reach speeds of up to 32 knots (59 km/h or 37 mph) on gas turbine power and 22 knots (41 km/h or 25 mph) on diesel. Its operational range extends up to 4,100 nautical miles (7,600 km or 4,700 miles) at a speed of 18 knots (33 km/h or 21 mph).

Notably, since January 7, the “Blue Homeland” exercise has been ongoing in Türkiye. The drills, which are scheduled to be completed by January 16, involve 20,000 military personnel, 87 warships, seven submarines, seven unmanned naval vehicles, 31 aircraft, 17 helicopters, and 28 unmanned aerial vehicles.

This massive military display, spanning three strategic seas – the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Sea – showcases Ankara’s growing maritime power and regional ambitions. 

By Khagan Isayev