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
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.
