On July 26, 2025, the Turkish Defense Industry Association (SSB) announced at the IDEF 2025 defense exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye, that TAIS Shipyards signed a contract with Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence for the delivery of two MILGEM Istif-class frigates. The agreement was signed with the participation of Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, President of Defence Industries, and marks a historic milestone as the first export of MILGEM-class vessels by Türkiye to Indonesia.
TAIS is a leading Turkish shipbuilding consortium formed by three of Türkiye’s most advanced private shipyards: Anadolu Shipyard, Sedef Shipyard, and Sefine Shipyard. Created to centralize and strengthen national expertise in naval construction, TAIS specializes in the design and production of high-end surface combatants, amphibious platforms, and auxiliary ships. The consortium has already demonstrated its production strength by launching two Istif-class frigates simultaneously for the Turkish Navy in January 2025, underscoring its ability to deliver complex naval programs on schedule and at scale.
The MILGEM Istif-class represents the pinnacle of Türkiye’s indigenous surface combatant development. Evolved from the MILGEM (National Ship) program initiated in the early 2000s, the Istif-class (I-class) is a next-generation multirole frigate designed to meet the operational demands of modern blue-water navies. It builds upon the design principles of the ADA-class corvettes, introducing increased displacement, extended range, and significantly enhanced weapon and sensor suites. The lead ship, TCG Istanbul (F-515), was launched in 2021 and began sea trials in 2023. The type has attracted international interest, including from Ukraine, which has partnered with Türkiye for the production of modified MILGEM-class corvettes.
Technically, the Istif-class frigates displace approximately 3,100 tons and measure 113 meters in length. They are powered by a CODAG (Combined Diesel and Gas) propulsion system enabling high-speed and long-endurance operations. The combat suite includes a 16-cell MIDLAS vertical launching system compatible with HISAR air defense missiles, Atmaca anti-ship missiles, a 76mm naval gun, and close-in weapon systems for layered defense. An integrated mast structure houses a national AESA radar and advanced electronic warfare systems. The vessels are fitted with a hull-mounted sonar and towed array for anti-submarine operations, and feature a hangar and flight deck for one S-70B Seahawk helicopter. Together, these capabilities allow the platform to perform a full range of naval missions from air defense and surface warfare to undersea and expeditionary operations.
Indonesia’s acquisition of the Istif-class frigates is a strategic step in its naval modernization agenda, providing the Indonesian Navy with a cutting-edge platform capable of projecting power across the Indo-Pacific. The contract includes potential industrial cooperation and technology transfer, supporting Jakarta’s objective to develop its national shipbuilding sector. This export not only reinforces Türkiye’s position as a rising player in the global defense market but also deepens bilateral defense ties between Ankara and Jakarta.
This agreement highlights the growing capabilities and ambitions of Türkiye’s naval defense industry, which has evolved from a domestic-focused sector into a global supplier of modern surface combatants. Backed by strong state support, coordinated industrial policy, and long-term investment in indigenous technologies, Turkish shipyards have built a robust portfolio of naval platforms now in service or production for multiple foreign clients. From corvettes and frigates to amphibious assault ships and unmanned surface vessels, Türkiye is expanding its presence in key markets such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. With each export success, the Turkish naval industry strengthens its position as a competitive and reliable partner in the international maritime defense arena.
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