In an interview with CNN Türk channel, Commander of the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, Rear Admiral Erdinç Yetkin, revealed updates about the naval shipbuilding programs of the Turkish Navy. The MUGEM (Milli Uçak Gemisi or National Aircraft Carrier) is set to be launched around 2028.
The Commander of Istanbul Naval Shipyard, Rear Admiral Erdinç Yetkin, shared key details about the construction timeline of the MUGEM project in a broadcast on CNN Türk. He stated that construction began in early 2025 and that the vessel is expected to be launched around 2027–2028. According to Yetkin, MUGEM could be delivered to the Turkish Navy before 2030.
He emphasized that the mega blocks of the carrier are being produced jointly with partner shipyards, which accelerates the pace of construction. He also noted that the ski-jump flight ramp will be ready within a few months, enabling companies such as TAI and Baykar to begin flight tests.
“We have started the construction of the National Aircraft Carrier. It will be 285 meters long and 60,000 tons. Anadolu was 230 meters and 27,000 tons. Kızılelma, TB3, Anka, and TB2 will be able to take off and land on it.” said R.Erdinç YETKİN, Rear Admiral, Commander of Istanbul Naval Shipyard.
The MUGEM project was first unveiled publicly in February 2024, when President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited the Design Project Office at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard. Since then, the project has garnered widespread attention. In April 2024, journalists were given a behind-the-scenes tour at the shipyard, where Turkish naval officials shared updates on the project, including details about the ship’s design and capabilities.
MUGEM features an optimized hull form, developed using a multi-dimensional optimization tool, which ensures excellent seakeeping, stability, and high maneuverability. These capabilities have been proven through internal simulation tools, making the carrier a robust asset in various sea conditions. The bow design, in particular, delivers a 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption and improves underwater noise propagation, enhancing both the efficiency and operational stealth of the vessel.
The carrier is set to feature three runways—two for takeoff and one for landing. Initially, the carrier will be built without a catapult system, opting instead for a modular ramp design. However, Turkish engineers are already working on an indigenous catapult system, which is expected to replace the modular ramp in the future, further enhancing the carrier’s operational capabilities.
The carrier is expected to house up to 50 aircraft, including manned and unmanned systems. The current plan allocates space for 20 aircraft on the deck and 30 in the hangar. Some of the aircraft slated for deployment include the naval version of TAI’s Hurjet light attack aircraft, TAI’s ANKA-III unmanned jet fighter, Baykar’s Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned jet fighter, and the TB-3 UCAV. Turkish defense officials have hinted that the carrier’s aircraft capacity may increase as the project progresses, and discussions with Turkish defense companies TAI and Baykar are already underway.
For its self-defense capabilities, MUGEM will be armed with a 32-cell (8×4) MIDLAS Vertical Launching System (VLS) and four Gökdeniz Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS). Additionally, six Aselsan 25mm STOP Remote Weapon Systems will provide close-range defense mainly against asymmetric threats.
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