The countdown to the commissioning of the Turkish Navy’s new fleet has officially begun.
The TCG Istanbul frigate is scheduled to be handed over to the Naval Forces Command in December, while the offshore patrol vessels (OPV) TCG Akhisar and Kochisar are scheduled to be delivered in 2024, further Strengthening the naval capabilities and strength of the Turkish Navy.
The initial delivery of the first domestically produced new submarine TCG “Pirires” is currently expected to take place in February 2024, local media reported on Monday.
This will be the national strength of the “Blue Homeland” naval force. It will play an active role in patrol and early warning activities, advanced air defense and surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and base and port defense.
Istanbul frigate (F-515), developed within the framework of the country’s national ship project (MILGEM), is characterized by an indigenous quota of 80% and is equipped with modern national systems, including MKE naval guns, Atmaca anti-ship missiles and GÖKDENIZ close range air defense system.
The MILGEM project is a national warship program of Turkey that aims to develop multi-purpose frigates and corvettes that can be used for a range of missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, early warning, anti-submarine warfare, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air combat,
The two offshore patrol ships TCG Akhisar and TCG Koçhisar entered the sea for the first time in early September and are currently counting the days for delivery to the Naval Command. TCG Akhisar is reportedly scheduled to be delivered in June 2024, while TCG Koçhisar delivery date is set for October 2024.
On September 24, 2023, a Hisar-class offshore patrol vessel named TCG Akhisar was anchored in Istanbul, Turkey. (AA photo)
The ships are designed to function in a variety of maritime operations, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), search and rescue (SAR), counter-terrorism operations, maritime surveillance and special operations.
Of significance Due to the progress of the submarine program, the first Lacey-class submarine will be provisionally delivered in February 2024.
These submarines are the first in the Turkish Navy to also use fuel cell technology called Type 214 as an air-independent propulsion system. The submarines are equipped with weapons against underwater, surface and land targets and are capable of launching multiple types of torpedoes and missiles as well as laying mines.
At the same time, the construction of the pilot area will begin to use domestic materials. National submarine project in 2024.