항공모함 터키, 항공모함 설계 및 I급 호위함 4척 추가건조 결정

[위종민]

1월 3일 에르도안 대통령이 참석한 터키 방위산업 집행위원회에서 항공모함 설계 및 이스탄불급 호위함 4척, OPV, 신형 상륙함, 차세대 기뢰부설함, 신형 고속정의 건조 계획이 승인됐다고 합니다. 

영국 해군의 23형 호위함을 구매한다는 얘기도 있었다는데 호위함 추가건조로 없던 얘기가 될 것 같다고 하네요. 

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/01/turkish-government-green-lights-aircraft-carrier-and-4-additional-i-class-frigates/

Turkish Government green lights aircraft carrier and 4 additional I-class frigates - Naval News

Turkish Navy's flagship TCG Anadolu during the major naval parade held in Istanbul Strait to celebrate centenary of the republic on December 29, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Cem Dogut, used under his permission)

Turkish Government Green Lights Aircraft Carrier And 4 Additional I-Class Frigates

On January 3, 2024, a meeting of the Turkish Defense Industry Executive Committee took place, with President Erdogan in attendance. During the session, the committee made significant decisions, which included initiating the design phase of an aircraft carrier and the construction of an additional 4 I-class frigates.

Tayfun Ozberk  04 Jan 2024

The Turkish Defense Industry Executive Committee convened at the Presidential Complex, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. During the meeting, assessments were made regarding the current state of the Turkish defense industry, future goals, and vital projects.

Decisions were reached concerning the initiation of the design phase for an Aircraft Carrier as part of military ship projects. Additionally, plans were approved for the construction of the MİLGEM 9-10-11-12th ships (I-class frigates), offshore patrol vessels, new types of landing ships, new generation minehunters, and Turkish Type FACs.

Beyond platform projects, decisions encompassed a diverse array of initiatives such as new missiles, radars, electronic warfare, communications, various weapons, ammunition and equipment, air defense systems, and satellite and space systems.

Highlighting a record-breaking figure of $5.5 billion, marking a 27% increase compared to the previous year, and an average export value surpassing $65 per kilogram, the defense industry demonstrated a significant contribution to the Turkish economy and indirectly to social welfare. Notably, the growing confidence in the country’s defense industry products is reflected in the rise of export destinations from 176 countries in the previous year to more than 185 in the current year.

Reiterating the imperative steps towards achieving a fully independent defense industry in the Turkish Century, it was emphasized that future activities will be carried out with determination and resolve, utilizing domestic and national technologies, as has been the practice thus far.

Author’s comments

Turkish Navy’s first I-class frigate TCG Istanbul. (Photo courtesy of Cem Dogut, used under his permission)

The decisions made signal a significant renewal and expansion of the Turkish Navy. President Erdogan’s earlier mention of the Aircraft Carrier project has now been officially confirmed through this announcement. The anticipated aircraft carrier is projected to be a more extensive and capable version of the TCG Anadolu.

A noteworthy aspect of these decisions is the incorporation of four additional I-class frigates into the agenda. The inaugural I-class frigate, TCG Istanbul, is set to be commissioned in the upcoming weeks, with the subsequent three frigates scheduled for delivery to the Turkish Navy within the next three years. Despite prior speculations about the Turkish Navy considering the acquisition of Type 23 frigates from the UK, the recent decision reflects a commitment to fulfilling this need using domestic resources.

Surprisingly, the absence of mention regarding the TF-2000 destroyer project raises eyebrows. Given the Turkish Navy’s intention to assert its presence on the high seas with the TCG Anadolu, the omission of an AAW warship from the decisions is a notable point. Turkiye’s future air defense destroyer is currently in the design phase, and the construction is expected to start in the following years.

Presently, the first two Hisar-class offshore patrol ships are in the construction phase at ASFAT Inc. Istanbul Naval Shipyard. The recent decisions provide the green light for the commencement of construction for other vessels within the framework of this project.

Another noteworthy development is the inclusion of the Turkish Type Fast Patrol Boat project in the decisions, signaling its transition to the construction phase. These new fast patrol boats will replace the Rüzgar and Dogan class fast patrol boats.

It appears that Turkish shipyards are poised to experience a period of heightened activity in the coming years.

TAGS Aircraft Carrier Turkish Navy

[백선호]

함재기로는 Kaan???

[위종민]

1, 2년 뒤 나올 설계안이 궁금한데, 아나돌루급 확대한 무인기 항모를 굳이 새로 만들 이유는 없어 보입니다만 자국산 항모와 함재기를 동시 개발하는 건 기술적 난도와 비용이 너무 높아질 것 같은데 어떤 선택을 할 지..