At the prestigious SAHA EXPO 2024 defense exhibition held in Istanbul, Türkiye showcased an ambitious leap forward in naval capability: the design for its first indigenous aircraft carrier, known as the Milli Uçak Gemisi (MUGEM). This national project, set to be developed by the Turkish Navy with domestic expertise, is designed to bolster Türkiye’s influence across the Mediterranean and surrounding regions. Expected to dwarf the TCG Anadolu, Türkiye’s current flagship, MUGEM is an unprecedented step in the nation’s defense advancements, underscoring the country’s progress in developing large-scale military technologies without foreign assistance.
In February 2024, Türkiye announced plans to pursue its own aircraft carrier design. During President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Istanbul Shipyard’s Design Project Office (DPO), Turkish defense officials highlighted the strategic importance of this move. DPO’s statement confirmed that MUGEM would be constructed entirely using domestic resources and expertise, showcasing Türkiye’s self-sufficiency in developing complex military assets. Although no official timeline for construction has been set, the near-completed design presented at SAHA EXPO strongly suggests that construction could begin soon.
MUGEM’s completion would make Türkiye one of the few Mediterranean powers with an aircraft carrier, giving the country considerable influence over regional security and power projection.
MUGEM’s design, measuring 285 meters in length, 72 meters in width, and displacing approximately 60,000 tons, aligns with the size of Britain’s HMS Queen Elizabeth-class carriers. However, MUGEM remains smaller than U.S. supercarriers, which often reach 100,000 tons displacement. With these dimensions, MUGEM is classified as a medium-sized vessel, placing Türkiye in a unique naval category.
The ship will be conventionally powered, with a maximum speed of 25 knots and an operational range of 10,000 nautical miles at 14 knots. Four General Electric LM2500 gas turbine engines will drive the vessel, connected to two adjustable propellers, providing high maneuverability in maritime operations. Such specifications make MUGEM a strategic asset for Türkiye’s Navy, capable of extended missions without immediate refueling or support, allowing Türkiye to project power across nearby regions efficiently.
MUGEM’s flight deck design includes three dedicated runways, with two designated for landings and one for take-offs. Türkiye initially explored the idea of a modular ski-jump ramp for take-off, but design modifications have favored a locally developed Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) system. This choice is expected to streamline MUGEM’s launch capability for a diverse range of aircraft.
The air wing is estimated to accommodate up to 50 aircraft, comprising a blend of both manned and unmanned aerial assets. Approximately 20 aircraft will be stationed on deck at any given time, while the remaining 30 will be stored in the below-deck hangar.
- Hurjet Light Combat Aircraft: The Hurjet is a light combat aircraft that combines both agility and multirole combat capabilities.
- ANKA-3 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV): The ANKA-3 UCAV, Türkiye’s indigenously developed drone, is geared for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) as well as strike operations.
- Bayraktar TB3 UCAV: Known globally for its combat prowess, the Bayraktar TB3 will likely be a versatile asset on MUGEM.
- Kızılelma Unmanned Fighter Jet: This new UCAV concept reflects Türkiye’s continued investment in next-generation unmanned fighter technology.
Preliminary indications suggest that Türkiye may also be developing a carrier-compatible version of its fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet. However, these plans remain speculative as the KAAN’s adaptation for carrier operations would require significant technological modifications.
Operating a vessel of MUGEM’s size and capability requires a large crew and sophisticated management systems. Reports from the SAHA EXPO indicate that the vessel will host around 800 personnel, including flight crew, naval officers, technicians, and support staff. Given the level of technology integration, MUGEM will likely feature advanced command-and-control facilities to streamline complex naval and air operations.
- MUGEM’s defensive configuration is designed to address both conventional and asymmetric threats. Key defense systems will include:
- MİDLAS Vertical Launch System (VLS): A 32-cell (2×16) VLS provides missile-based defenses, allowing the carrier to counter incoming aerial and missile threats from long ranges.
- GÖKDENİZ Close-In Weapon System (CIWS): Four GÖKDENİZ CIWS will provide a final layer of defense against approaching missiles, fast attack craft, and other immediate threats.
- ASELSAN STOP 25mm Remote-Controlled Weapon Systems: Seven ASELSAN 25mm systems are optimized for rapid engagement against asymmetric threats like unmanned suicide drones or small, fast-moving boats.
By equipping MUGEM with a multi-layered defense, Türkiye is ensuring robust protection against varied threats, thereby strengthening its maritime resilience.
Türkiye’s participation at SAHA EXPO underscores its robust defense industry growth. SAHA EXPO, one of the most influential defense exhibitions in the region, has increasingly become a platform for showcasing Türkiye’s domestically-produced defense equipment and technologies. MUGEM’s reveal was the exhibition’s centerpiece, marking Türkiye’s leap into the world of advanced naval warfare capabilities. Alongside MUGEM, Turkish firms presented advancements in missile technology, robotics, drone technology, and electronic warfare systems, highlighting the nation’s innovative edge in a crowded defense industry.
SAHA EXPO also saw collaborations with foreign delegations interested in Türkiye’s defense technology. As Turkish firms like ASELSAN, TUSAŞ, and Baykar become internationally recognized names, Türkiye’s defense exports continue to grow. In 2023 alone, the nation’s defense exports crossed the $4 billion mark, a record that may be surpassed in 2024 due to heightened global demand for Türkiye’s drones, armored vehicles, and surveillance systems.
