Türkiye has initiated the development of a naval variant of its fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet, designed to operate from its first indigenous aircraft carrier, the MUGEM (Milli Ucak Gemisi). The announcement marks a transformative step in Türkiye’s defense and naval ambitions, placing it on a trajectory toward becoming one of a handful of nations capable of deploying and operating a fully functional aircraft carrier.
Construction of the MUGEM began in January at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard and is progressing as part of Türkiye’s broader initiative to achieve strategic autonomy in defense production. The 60,000-ton carrier, when completed, will be the largest warship ever built by Türkiye. It is expected to redefine regional naval dynamics by enabling the Turkish Navy to operate far beyond its traditional waters in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“This project will elevate Türkiye into a unique group of nations with true carrier strike capabilities,” said Albay Ucar, Director of the Naval Design Project Office (DPO), in a recent interview. “It will not only boost our operational reach but also strengthen our national defense industry.”
Central to this strategy is the adaptation of the KAAN fighter jet for carrier operations. The aircraft, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), is Türkiye’s answer to next-generation air dominance. The naval variant is being engineered to support catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landings, a significant engineering leap from land-based operations.
“If a naval variant of KAAN is developed, we are working closely with TAI to ensure full compatibility with carrier operations,” Ucar confirmed. The land-based KAAN is expected to enter Turkish Air Force service by 2028, with over 100 units planned by 2032. The naval version, though still in the feasibility study phase, will likely follow shortly after.
The aircraft features stealth design elements, internal weapons bays, and advanced avionics systems, placing it in the same class as the F-35 or the Chinese J-20. Navalizing such a platform would not only boost Türkiye’s deterrence in maritime zones but also integrate seamlessly into MUGEM’s broader mission profile.
MUGEM is designed as a full-deck aircraft carrier, unlike its predecessor, the TCG Anadolu, which primarily supports unmanned aerial operations. With a length of 285 meters and a displacement of 60,000 tons, MUGEM is nearly two-and-a-half times the size of Anadolu, placing it in a class comparable to the UK’s HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The vessel is expected to host a total of 50 aerial vehicles, including both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. The hangar will accommodate 30 aircraft, while 20 will be stationed on the flight deck. The carrier will also have the capability to support multirole helicopters and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones.
Propulsion will come from four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, driving two adjustable propellers. This configuration will give MUGEM a top speed of 25 knots and an operational range of 10,000 nautical miles. Its endurance and mobility will allow Türkiye to project power well beyond its immediate neighborhood, including the Red Sea and potentially the Indian Ocean.
A standout feature of MUGEM is its electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), a next-gen catapult system still rare among global navies. Turkish engineers are developing this capability domestically, further showcasing the country’s commitment to technological independence. The flight deck will feature three runways—two for landing and one for takeoff—enhancing sortie generation and operational efficiency.
Beyond KAAN, MUGEM’s air wing will include a range of Turkish-made manned and unmanned aircraft:
- Baykar Kizilelma: A stealthy UCAV capable of high-speed operations and advanced strike missions.
- Bayraktar TB3: A naval variant of the TB2 drone with folding wings and extended operational capabilities.
- TAI HURJET: A light combat and training jet designed for versatility and carrier suitability.
- ANKA-3: A stealth UCAV with high-endurance and payload capabilities.
“All of these platforms are being tailored for carrier operations,” Ucar emphasized. “They will bring unprecedented flexibility to our naval aviation.”
In terms of defense, MUGEM will incorporate a 32-cell MIDLAS Vertical Launch System (VLS), designed to intercept aerial and surface threats using long-range missiles. Close-in defense will be provided by four GOKDENIZ CIWS systems and seven ASELSAN STOP 25mm Remote-Controlled Weapon Systems.
This layered defense architecture will enable the carrier to survive and operate effectively in anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments, a crucial consideration given rising tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.
Once operational, the vessel will be manned by approximately 800 crew members, trained to maintain full-spectrum readiness in high-intensity conflict zones.
The MUGEM-KAAN tandem reflects Türkiye’s evolving defense doctrine—one that prioritizes self-reliance, regional influence, and high-tech innovation. With mounting geopolitical tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Aegean, and the Red Sea, Ankara is positioning itself to protect its maritime interests while asserting itself as a key regional power.
Türkiye’s ambitions are not just about hardware but also influence. A domestically built and operated aircraft carrier, supported by indigenous aircraft and advanced systems, sends a strong signal to both allies and rivals. It underlines Türkiye’s capacity to operate independently in a complex security environment.
As Türkiye pushes forward with the MUGEM and naval KAAN programs, it is also strengthening the industrial ecosystem supporting these projects. A network of over 100 domestic suppliers is involved in the development of the carrier and its onboard systems. ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN, and STM are just a few of the leading defense firms contributing subsystems, electronics, weapons, and software.
Türkiye is also open to selective international cooperation. While the emphasis remains on domestic capabilities, Ankara has shown interest in collaborating on component technologies, including propulsion enhancements, naval radar systems, and training programs for naval aviators.
“The success of this project is not just a matter of national pride,” said a senior defense official involved in the program. “It’s a test of our ability to integrate, innovate, and industrialize.”
An advanced carrier like MUGEM will require new naval doctrine, training pipelines, and joint operations frameworks. Türkiye is reportedly working on new training facilities and simulation systems to prepare pilots and crew for the unique demands of carrier-based operations. Turkish naval aviators are expected to begin test operations with UAVs and light jets before graduating to KAAN fighters.
Sea trials of the MUGEM, expected by the end of this decade, will provide critical feedback for operational refinement. The Turkish Navy will use these insights to finalize its carrier task force doctrine, logistics frameworks, and command-and-control protocols.
The MUGEM carrier and the naval KAAN represent more than just new hardware—they symbolize Türkiye’s transition into a serious maritime power. With the capacity to field a full-spectrum air wing, operate in distant waters, and develop cutting-edge technology indigenously, Türkiye is setting the stage for a new regional and potentially global role.
