Türkiye Advances National Aircraft Carrier and TF-2000 Air-Defense Destroyer

Engineering Milestones in the National Aircraft Carrier MUGEM

Türkiye’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, MUGEM, is under design with a displacement of approximately 60,000 tons and a length of 285 meters. It will feature a STOBAR configuration with a ski-jump ramp, enabling short takeoff and arrested recovery operations.

Thank you for reading this post. Don't forget to subscribe!

According to the Turkish Naval Forces and recent OSINT data published by Janes, the design process prioritized the flight deck geometry. This approach defined the vessel’s overall layout, including the hull shape and the position of the island superstructure.

Design rendering of Türkiye's MUGEM aircraft carrier with ski-jump and island configuration — Rendering of Türkiye’s MUGEM aircraft carrier concept with ski-jump flight deck.

Compatible with Indigenous Air Platforms

MUGEM is designed to operate at least 50 aerial vehicles onboard, including Baykar Kızılelma, Bayraktar TB3, TAI Hürjet, and potentially Anka-3 unmanned combat air vehicles. This aligns with Türkiye’s strategic goal of fielding a fully indigenous naval air fleet.

TF-2000: Multi-Layered Naval Air Defense Destroyer

The TF-2000 air-defense destroyer project aims to provide Türkiye with advanced fleet protection against aerial threats. Construction officially commenced on 2 January 2025 at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard. The vessel will operate alongside the MUGEM and MILDEN submarines as part of a cohesive naval task group.

Advanced Combat Systems and Integrated Sensors

TF-2000 will be equipped with domestically developed SIPER vertical launch systems, Gezgin cruise missiles, multi-layer radar arrays, 324mm Orka lightweight torpedoes, Aselsan Gökdeniz CIWS, and emerging laser and railgun technologies.

Additionally, the destroyer will be capable of operating in coordination with USVs, UAVs, and UUVs, enhancing its situational awareness and strike capabilities.

Strategic Implications for Türkiye’s Blue Homeland Doctrine

With the MUGEM and TF-2000, Türkiye aims to reinforce its Blue Homeland (Mavi Vatan) doctrine by asserting greater presence and sovereignty across surrounding seas. The integration of indigenous platforms further strengthens its strategic autonomy in naval operations.