Turkish Government green lights aircraft carrier and 4 additional I-class frigates - Naval News

On January 3, 2024, a meeting of the Turkish Defense Industry Executive Committee took place, with President Erdogan in attendance. During the session, the committee made significant decisions, which included initiating the design phase of an aircraft carrier and the construction of an additional 4 I-class frigates.

The Turkish Defense Industry Executive Committee convened at the Presidential Complex, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. During the meeting, assessments were made regarding the current state of the Turkish defense industry, future goals, and vital projects.

Decisions were reached concerning the initiation of the design phase for an Aircraft Carrier as part of military ship projects. Additionally, plans were approved for the construction of the MİLGEM 9-10-11-12th ships (I-class frigates), offshore patrol vessels, new types of landing ships, new generation minehunters, and Turkish Type FACs.

Beyond platform projects, decisions encompassed a diverse array of initiatives such as new missiles, radars, electronic warfare, communications, various weapons, ammunition and equipment, air defense systems, and satellite and space systems.

Highlighting a record-breaking figure of $5.5 billion, marking a 27% increase compared to the previous year, and an average export value surpassing $65 per kilogram, the defense industry demonstrated a significant contribution to the Turkish economy and indirectly to social welfare. Notably, the growing confidence in the country’s defense industry products is reflected in the rise of export destinations from 176 countries in the previous year to more than 185 in the current year.

Reiterating the imperative steps towards achieving a fully independent defense industry in the Turkish Century, it was emphasized that future activities will be carried out with determination and resolve, utilizing domestic and national technologies, as has been the practice thus far.