Newsweek: Türkiye prepares to begin sea trials of its first domestically built aircraft carrier
Türkiye is preparing to begin sea trials of its first domestically built aircraft carrier soon, with plans to have it operational before the end of the decade, according to a senior defense official, Newsweek reported.
Newsweek said that possessing a domestic aircraft carrier would give Türkiye long-range naval capability for the first time, expanding its influence in the Mediterranean and Black Seas and strengthening its leverage.
Newsweek added that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly supports the country’s efforts to achieve defense self-sufficiency and expand arms exports.
According to Newsweek, Türkiye’s growing capabilities may enhance NATO’s naval operations, but at the same time, they highlight Ankara’s ability to pursue its own strategic agenda.
Newsweek stated that the new Turkish aircraft carrier, which is scheduled to enter service in 2028, differs from its traditional counterpart, as it has been designed as a drone carrier equipped with a take-off ramp.
Turkish Aerospace Industries and Baykar, a leading private drone exporter, are expected to begin their trials in the coming months.
Newsweek quoted Admiral Recep Erdinç Yetkin, commander of the Istanbul Naval Arsenal, as saying in a statement to CNN Türk that construction was already underway.
Yetkin revealed that the national aircraft carrier is 285 meters long and weighs 60,000 tons, compared to the current TCG Anadolu drone carrier, which is 230 meters long and weighs 27,000 tons.
The Turkish Navy currently operates the TGV Anadolu, a dedicated drone carrier, within its fleet, and the Kızılma, TB3, Anka, and TB2 drones will be able to take off and land on it.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense first revealed the aircraft carrier project last year and began construction in January.
Newsweek noted that Türkiye is developing other advanced military platforms, such as TF-class submarines, the domestic Iron Dome air defense system, and the Qaan fighter jet.
According to the magazine, Türkiye’s growing defense capabilities come amid escalating tensions with Israel, with which Ankara severed trade ties on Friday due to the escalating war on Gaza.
Newsweek quoted Erdogan as saying that what determines the difference between being on the table or just a plate on it is your air defense and offensive capabilities.
“With this understanding, we are making great progress in the construction and development process we began a long time ago… We’ve come a long way in a short period despite all the obstacles… Today’s results are the clearest evidence that our struggle wasn’t in vain”.
