A New Stage for the Naval Forces
Speaking at the TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland event held in Gölcük, Kocaeli, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır announced that work on Türkiye’s indigenous aircraft carrier project was continuing. Kacır stated that the platform was targeted to be launched by the end of 2027. While it was noted that the Turkish Naval Forces had increased their logistics capabilities on the high seas thanks to TCG Derya, it was emphasized that they had attained a naval force capable of carrying out intercontinental missions beyond coastal security. Kantan Video · Footage: DHA
Design and Technical Specifications of the Platform
The National Aircraft Carrier project, designed by the Design Project Office of the Naval Forces Command, has been specified as 285 meters long and 72 meters wide. The platform, with a draft of 10.1 meters, has a displacement of 60 thousand tons.
A COGAG architecture consisting of four LM2500 gas turbines is used for the main propulsion. The ship’s maximum speed is set at 25 knots (approximately 46.3 kilometers per hour), while its cruising range is set at 10 thousand nautical miles (approximately 18 thousand 520 kilometers). Through the integration of a special bow design, the aim is to achieve 1.5 percent fuel savings and reduce underwater noise emissions to a minimum level.
Aircraft Capacity and Takeoff and Landing Systems
The aircraft carrier has the capacity to deploy a total of 50 aircraft, including 30 in the hangar and 20 on the flight deck. The platform features a STOBAR-type runway that enables short takeoffs and arrested landings. Domestic manned and unmanned aircraft such as Bayraktar TB3, Kızılelma, ANKA-3 and Hürjet are planned to conduct operations from the ship. In addition, the combined use of unmanned underwater vehicles and unmanned surface vessels is intended to provide joint operations capability.
Defense Systems and Crew Infrastructure
The platform’s self-defense infrastructure includes a 32-cell MİDLAS Vertical Launch System and 4 GÖKDENİZ Close Defense Weapon Systems. Equipped with 25 mm STOP remote-controlled weapon stations against asymmetric threats, the platform is being designed to serve as a command center during long-term overseas missions, thanks to its approximately 800-person crew capacity.