Turkey Launches Second and Third Ships in MILGEM I-Class Frigate Project
Turkey, which started the construction of the MUGEM Aircraft Carrier, TF-2000 Air Defense Destroyer, and MILDEN Submarine a few weeks ago, has now taken another critical step in strengthening the Naval Forces Command by launching the second and third ships within the scope of the MİLGEM I-Class Frigate Project.
The second I-Class frigate, TCG Izmir (F-516), was launched by Anadolu Shipyard, while the third frigate, TCG Izmit (F-517), was launched by Sedef Shipyard. However, no ceremony was held to mark the launching of the ships; this reflects a different approach compared to some important milestones that Turkey has announced, with grand ceremonies held with the participation of military, political, and contractor organization officials in the past. Only Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, President of the Turkish Defense Industry, shared these moments through the X platform.
Görgün said:
“IZMIR (F-516) and IZMIT (F-517), two of the MİLGEM I-Class (ISTIF) frigates, have been successfully launched under the coordination of the Turkish Defence Agency (SSB), in partnership with TAİS and STM. Following the earlier delivery of TCG ISTANBUL (F-515), these national frigates will showcase Turkey’s strength and determination on the world’s seas. Built with a localization rate exceeding 80%, they are equipped with high-technology systems, emphasizing our nation’s commitment to self-reliance and technological advancement in naval warfare.”
The MILGEM I-class frigate project is a continuation of the MILGEM Project, which began in 2004. Four ADA class corvettes were built as part of the MILGEM Project: TCG Heybeliada (F-511), TCG Büyükada (F-512), TCG Burgazada, and TCG Kınalıada (F-514). The delivery of these ships, built by the primary contractor STM Defense, began in 2011 and continued until 2019. During this time, Turkey was also able to export MILGEM ADA Class Corvettes to Pakistan and Ukraine.
Following the delivery of MILGEM ADA Class Corvettes, a contract was signed in April 2019 between the Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB) and STM for the construction of the TCG Istanbul (F-515) Frigate, which is the continuation of the project’s second phase. The frigate TCG ISTANBUL (F-515) was launched on January 23, 2021, and handed over to the Turkish Navy in a ceremony held on January 19, 2024.
On April 6, 2023, the Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) signed a new contract with the STM-TAIS Joint Venture to build three additional I-Class frigates, following the TCG Istanbul: TCG Izmir (F-516), TCG Içel (F-517), and TCG Izmit (F-518). Sefine Shipyard is building the fourth frigate of the class, TCG Içel (F-518), and expects to launch it in the coming weeks. All three frigates are scheduled to be delivered in 2026.
In addition, at the Defence Industry Executive Committee (SSİK) meeting held on January 3, 2024, the committee decided to build four more MILGEM I-Class Frigates, bringing the total number of I-Class Frigates built within the project scope to eight. The TAIS-STM partnership will again construct these additional ships.
The MILGEM I-Class Frigates, designed based on the ADA Class corvettes, are intended for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), surface warfare (SUW), and air defense warfare (ADW) missions. They are also capable of playing an active role in reconnaissance, surveillance, target detection, and early warning operations.
Structurally different from ADA-class corvettes, these platforms have a length of 113 meters, a width of 14.4 meters, and a displacement of 3100 tons. The I-Class Frigates are powered by two MTU 20V 4000 M93L diesel engines and one LM2500 gas turbine, enabling them to cruise for 5700 nautical miles at 14 knots and reach a maximum speed of over 29 knots. Additionally, the frigates have space for 123 personnel and a large flight deck at the stern that can accommodate a 10t class SH-70 SeaHawk, a multi-purpose helicopter.
Compared to the MILGEM Ada-Class corvettes, the Istif-Class stands out with its more advanced weapon and system equipment. These are as follows:
Weapon Systems:
- 16-cell MIDLAS Indigenous VLS for launching HISAR family of surface-to-air missiles (future SIPER long-range air defense missiles)
- 4×4 ATMACA anti-ship missiles
- Aselsan Gokdeniz CIWS
- 76 mm Super Rapid Gun
- 2 x 25 mm Aselsan STOP machine gun
- 2×3 Lightweight torpedo (MK-46 Mod 5 / Roketsan ORKA in the future)
Sensor and Electronic Systems:
- Aselsan CENK-S AESA radar
- Aselsan ALPER-P LPI navigational radar
- 2xAKR-D Fire Control radars
- ASELFLIR-300T, PIRI KATS, and AHTAPOT EO systems
- FERSAH hull-mounted sonar
- HIZIR Torpedo Countermeasures System
- Laser warning system
- Aselsan ARES 2N (V2) ESM