Social Complex Meeting Determines Local Aircraft Carrier Decision
Turkey to Begin Design Activities for Domestic Aircraft Carrier
During a critical meeting held at the Presidential Complex, the decision to start the design activities of the domestic aircraft carrier was made. This decision comes after TCG ANADOLU Multi-Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship was included in the inventory of the Turkish Naval Forces Command in April 2023.
TCG ANADOLU, the largest naval platform of the Turkish Navy with a length of 232 meters, paved the way for the start of work on a domestic aircraft carrier. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been advocating for a domestic aircraft carrier for a long time, and the decision to begin design activities was made during the recent Defense Industry Executive Committee meeting.
The domestic aircraft carrier is expected to be produced in collaboration with Spain, similar to the partnership for TCG ANADOLU. The President previously stated, “Our first aircraft carrier is not actually large-scale, we will build a large-scale one from now on. We already agree with my dear friend on this issue. Hopefully, we aim to build a large aircraft carrier after the current aircraft carrier, and perhaps we will also have the opportunity to enter the submarine business.”
Additionally, decisions were made regarding the construction of offshore patrol ships, new types of landing ships, new generation mine hunting ships, and national assault boats at the same SSİK meeting. The Turkish defense industry continues construction and equipping activities for AKHİSAR and KOÇHİSAR Offshore Patrol Ships. In addition, 10 assault boats are expected to be built as part of the Turkish Type Assault Boat Project, with critical design activities currently ongoing.
Furthermore, a decision was made for the construction of the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th ships of the MİLGEM Program, to be built as frigates. Originally planned as the TF-2000 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyer, these ships will add to Turkey’s naval capabilities.
The latest decisions are part of Turkey’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its naval capacity and expand its domestic defense industry. Source: DefenseSanayiST.com
