Turkey’s Naval Ambitions: New Warships Set to Strengthen Defense and Power Projection

As 2025 begins, the Turkish navy has announced the construction of three highly anticipated warships based on domestic designs: a submarine, an aircraft carrier, and the first ship in the TF-2000 air-defense destroyer series. These new projects reflect Turkey’s growing naval ambitions and the country’s focus on enhancing its long-range strike and force projection capabilities.

The three ships being developed are part of a broader effort to bolster the nation’s local shipbuilding industry, with the total number of Turkish naval ships currently under construction now reaching 31. These projects are also crucial for advancing Turkey’s political and military aspirations in the region and beyond.

National Submarine (MİLDEN) – A New Era in Submarine Warfare

The first weld for the National Submarine (MİLDEN) was completed at Gölcük Naval Shipyard. Although details about the submarine are limited due to secrecy surrounding military operations, it is known to be a diesel-electric vessel with a displacement of approximately 2,700 tons and a length of over 80 meters. Equipped with an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, the MİLDEN will offer extended submerged endurance compared to existing submarines. It also incorporates domestically developed weapons, systems, and sensors designed to enhance its payload capacity and diving depth.

TF-2000 Air-Defense Destroyer – Turkey’s Modern Naval Shield

The TF-2000 destroyer is designed to provide robust defense against guided and ballistic missile threats while also maintaining traditional naval combat capabilities. Work on the project began in 2017, and the ship’s design has evolved over time. The TF-2000 will measure 149 meters in length, 21.3 meters in width, and will have a displacement of 8,300 tons. Powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, it is expected to achieve speeds of over 26 knots.

The destroyer will be armed with a 127mm main gun, two 25mm remote-controlled weapon stations, and a 35mm Gökdeniz close-in weapon system. Its advanced air defense capabilities are supported by a 96-cell vertical launch system (VLS), capable of launching Siper and Hisar air defense missiles, as well as Gezgin cruise missiles. Additionally, the ship will feature the ÇAFRAD phased array radar system, with a detection range of 450 kilometers, further enhancing its effectiveness in intercepting missile threats.

MUGEN Aircraft Carrier – Turkey’s Expanding Naval Power

Turkey’s National Aircraft Carrier (MUGEN) is set to be a game-changer for the country’s naval power. With a projected displacement of 60,000 tons, the MUGEN will be more than twice the size of Turkey’s largest current warship, the TCG Anadolu. The carrier will measure 285 meters in length and 75 meters in width, with a draft of 10 meters. Its design closely resembles the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, further underscoring Turkey’s growing maritime capabilities.

The MUGEN will feature a Short Take-Off and Barrier Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) configuration, with a single runway and a ski jump angled at approximately 12–14 degrees. It will have two aircraft elevators—one positioned forward and another aft—and three arresting wires for landings. The carrier will support a variety of aircraft, including the TB-3 UCAV combat drone, Hürjet manned aircraft, and the Kızılelma unmanned jet, making it a versatile asset in Turkey’s expanding naval fleet.