Turkey Set to Expand Its First Aircraft Carrier Beyond Previous Designs

Turkey recently revealed plans to extend its inaugural aircraft carrier's length to nearly 300 meters, translating to approximately 984 feet. This development positions the ship as one of the largest among NATO's naval forces.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the public from a shipyard in Istanbul, emphasizing the new dimensions of the carrier, which he likens to an elder sibling of the TCG Anadolu—a 261-foot amphibious assault ship currently in service with the Turkish Navy.

While the length of a naval ship does not directly indicate its full size, often measured by displacement in tons, it crucially affects the deck's operational space. This extension in length could notably enhance the carrier’s capacity for aircraft, as well as the runway's extent and the kind of launch systems employed.

The details for this aircraft carrier, designated as MUGEM-class, emerged in late 2024. The initial design aimed at a displacement of 60,000 tons over a length of 935 feet. Plans previously outlined that the ship would host up to 50 aircraft, including 20 on its deck, and a crew of 800 personnel.

Competition with Other NATO Vessels

Falling into the length category nearing American carriers, which are the world's largest, Turkey's new ship rivals the USS Gerald R. Ford and the Nimitz-class carriers, known for lengths surpassing 1,090 feet and displacing around 100,000 tons.

The reimagined length of Turkey's carrier also extends well beyond the UK's Queen Elizabeth-class, measuring 932 feet and displacing approximately 80,000 tons, and France's older Charles De Gaulle, which is 857 feet long with a displacement of about 42,500 tons.

Advancements in Naval Autonomy

As a NATO member, Turkey has persistently pursued self-reliance in defense technology. Although initially expected to be equipped with a ski-jump ramp for takeoff, the carrier will now feature a domestically-produced catapult system. Following its exclusion from the F-35 program due to diplomatic tensions over its procurement of Russian S-400s, Turkey is unlikely to field F-35Bs on board.

During the announcement event, President Erdogan introduced the TCG Hızırreis, the second submarine in Turkey's Reis-class series, and showcased a new uncrewed surface vehicle known as the ULAQ.

Holding the position as NATO's second-largest military after the United States, Turkey continues to bolster its capabilities with innovations such as this expanded aircraft carrier.