Turkey has officially launched the eighth ship of the Mi̇lgem project, the National Naval Construction Program, at the Sefine construction sites of Altınova (Yalova).
The new frigate, called TCG İçel, represents an important stage in the Turkish strategy of technological independence and strengthening of its maritime power.
The frigate is 113 meters long, has a displacement of about 3,200 tons and is designed for multifunctional missions: anti -Somergable war, surface combat, air defense, electronic war and research and rescue operations.
The ship is equipped with systems developed by the national industry, including:
- Cannone MKE da 76 mm;
- Systema di Difesa Aerea Gökdeniz;
- Midlas vertical launch system;
- Missile Antinave Atmaca;
- Radar Cenk 3D;
- Electro-optical surveillance system;
- Advent combat management system.
National production and integration
During the official ceremony, the president of the Turkish defense industry, Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, underlined the importance of the project:
«Mi̇lgem is not just a naval construction project. It is a symbol of the determination of Türkiye to achieve self -sufficiency in the defense industry, with large engineering skills and a national production vision. ”
According to Görgün, the TCG İçel is made up of 80% by national components, developed with the collaboration of over 200 institutions and businesses.
Strategic context
Görgün also connected the launch to the doctrine of the “Blue Homeland” (Mavi Vatan), which aims to project Turkish maritime power in different regions:
“Every ship that we vary does not strengthen only our security, but also shows our engineering skills and our strategic determination at sea in the world.”
Continuation of the project
Coordinated by the defense industry, the Mi̇lgem program provides for the construction of different frigates, corvettes and future destroyers. Seven frigates are currently under construction, two of which in the sefine construction sites.
With the launch of the TCG İçel, Turkey consolidates its position among the countries that simultaneously build the largest number of wars ships and expand its ability to export to partner and allied nations.
Source and images: Instagram @savunmatcom. This content was created with the support of artificial intelligence and was overhauled by the editorial staff.
