French newspaper: Turkey builds the largest aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean, surpassing France

SadaNews - The French newspaper Le Figaro reported that Turkey, through its new aircraft carrier project, will become the Mediterranean country that builds the largest warship, surpassing the French aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle".

In a report titled "Turkey will become the Mediterranean country that builds the largest warship, surpassing the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle," the report addressed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's speech at the "Teknofest Blue Homeland" festival last Thursday, during which he announced the project to build the aircraft carrier, which will be larger than the drone carrier "TGC Anadolu".

The report stated that "the project, named the National Aircraft Carrier, will enter service in 2030. It will be capable of carrying fighter jets and stealth drones. This carrier will be the first fighter carrier designed and built in Turkey."

The newspaper added, "With a length of 285 meters, a width of 72 meters, and a displacement of over 60,000 tons, the Turkish aircraft carrier will clearly exceed its French counterpart 'Charles de Gaulle,' which is still considered the leading ship in the Mediterranean (with a length of 261 meters and a displacement of 42,500 tons)."

Great Capabilities

The report confirmed that Turkey, through this new project, aims to leave a strong mark in global naval circles.

The newspaper quoted Turkish engineer officer Aygut Demir Azan's statements that the Turkish National Aircraft Carrier will be able to sail back and forth from Turkey to New York City in the United States without needing to refuel.

According to the report, the carrier is expected to be launched into the sea between 2027 and 2028, and to enter service in 2030, and will be capable of carrying around 50 vehicles.

It was clarified that unlike its Western counterparts, the Turkish aircraft carrier will be designed from the outset to accommodate and launch next-generation drones like the drone fighter "Kızıl Elma" and the attack drone "Phoenix 3".

The French newspaper report indicated that the ship will also be capable of carrying the "Harrier" aircraft, and Turkey promises that more than 80% of its parts will be of local production.

It added, "If the timeline is adhered to, Turkey will join the club of a few countries capable of designing such a large carrier, like the United States, Russia, France, and China."

Source: Anadolu Agency