Turkey on the Verge of Launching Naval Trials for Its First Locally Made Aircraft Carrier

SadaNews - The American magazine Newsweek reported that Turkey is preparing to start naval trials for its first locally made aircraft carrier soon, with plans to put it into service before the end of the decade, according to a senior defense official.

The magazine stated that having a local aircraft carrier will grant Turkey long-range naval capabilities for the first time, expanding its influence in the Mediterranean and Black Seas and enhancing its leverage.

It added that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan strongly supports the country's efforts to achieve defense self-sufficiency and expand arms exports.

It noted that Turkey's growing capabilities could enhance NATO's naval operations, but at the same time highlight Ankara's ability to pursue its own strategic agenda.

Development

The magazine reported that the new Turkish aircraft carrier, which will enter service in 2028, is different from traditional ones, as it is designed as a "drone carrier equipped with a launch ramp".

Turkish aerospace industries and the private company Baykar, a leader in drone exports, are expected to begin their trials in the coming months.

The magazine quoted Admiral Recep Urdunç Yetkin, the commander of Istanbul Naval Shipyard, saying in a statement to "CNN Türk" that construction is already underway.

Yetkin revealed that the national aircraft carrier is 285 meters long and weighs 60,000 tons, compared to the current drone carrier "TGG Anadolu," which is 230 meters long and weighs 27,000 tons.

Carrier Anadolu

It is worth noting that the Turkish Navy currently operates "TGG Anadolu" designated for drones within its fleet, and drones like Kızılelma, "TB3 Prime", Anka, and "TB2" will be able to take off and land on it.

The Turkish Ministry of Defense first unveiled the aircraft carrier project last year and began construction in January.

Newsweek drew attention to Turkey developing other advanced military platforms such as "TF" class submarines, the local air defense system "Steel Dome", and the fighter "Kaan".

Tension with Israel

According to the magazine, Turkey's growing defense capabilities come amid rising tensions with Israel, which saw Ankara cut commercial ties with it on Friday due to the escalation of the war in Gaza.

Newsweek quoted Erdoğan saying that what determines the difference between being at the table or being just a dish on it is your capabilities in air defense and attack, "In this understanding, we are making significant progress in the construction and development process that we started long ago. We have come a long way in a short time despite all obstacles. Today's results are the clearest evidence that our struggle has not been in vain."

Source: Newsweek