Turkey's Ministry of Defense has unveiled renderings and technical specifications of its planned aircraft carriers, giving a glimpse into Turkey's future naval ambitions.
The new aircraft carrier is much larger than the existing Turkish amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu, with a length of 285 meters and a displacement of 60000 tons. The increase in size is intended to accommodate more aircraft, and the exact model has not yet been announced.
* It shows that there are several Kaan fighters on the deck, which indicates that Turkey plans to develop a naval version for its first domestic fighter. This development will be an important milestone in Turkey's military self-sufficiency.
In addition to fighter jets, the carrier-based aircraft is expected to accommodate a variety of other aircraft, including UAVs such as Bayraktar TB3 and Kizielma as well as ***
The aircraft carrier will employ a short take-off and landing system, an approach used by other countries such as Russia, India, and China. This method is simpler and less costly than the assisted launch method, as it uses an upper arc take-off and landing arrest device. It is worth noting that TCG Anadolu will use a similar system for Bayraktar TB3 operations.
The aircraft carrier will be powered by a gas turbine and a combined gas turbine propulsion system with a target speed of 25 knots. The system strikes a balance between power and efficiency, solving the problem of large ships not being able to keep pace with escort ships.
The publication of the design of the future aircraft carrier marks Turkey's growing naval aspirations. The addition of a potentially navalized Kaan fighter and multiple aircraft capabilities further highlights the country's commitment to domestic military development. Although the project is still in its early stages, it is expected to reshape the regional maritime landscape and be a significant advance in Turkey's military capabilities.