Turkish Shipyards Perform Dual I-Class Frigate Launch – Naval News
On January 11, 2025, the Head of the Turkish Defence Agency (SSB), Prof. Haluk Görgün, announced the successful launch of the second and third I-class frigates, marking a significant milestone in Turkiye’s naval modernization efforts. The vessels were launched by two shipbuilding companies belonging to TAIS Shipyards.
The day prior to the official announcement, a video circulating on social media showed the launch ceremony of the second I-class frigate, sparking public anticipation for an official confirmation. However, the simultaneous launch of two frigates—an unexpected and significant development—came as a surprise, highlighting a major milestone in Turkiye’s shipbuilding capabilities.
“IZMIR (F-516) and IZMIT (F-517), two of the MİLGEM I-Class (ISTIF) frigates, have been successfully launched under the coordination of the Turkish Defence Agency (SSB), in partnership with TAİS and STM. Following the earlier delivery of TCG ISTANBUL (F-515), these national frigates will showcase Turkey’s strength and determination on the world’s seas. Built with a localisation rate exceeding 80%, they are equipped with high-technology systems, emphasizing our nation’s commitment to self-reliance and technological advancement in naval warfare.”
Prof Haluk GORGUN, Head of SSB
The second I-class frigate, the future TCG İzmir (F-516), was launched by Anadolu Shipyard, while the third frigate, the future TCG İzmit (F-517), was launched by Sedef Shipyard. Meanwhile, the fourth frigate in the class, the future TCG İçel (F-518), is under construction at Sefine Shipyard and is expected to be launched in the coming weeks. All three frigates are scheduled for delivery within the same year.
On April 6, 2023, the SSB signed a contract with the TAIS Shipyards (Anadolu, Sedef and Sefine shipyards affiliated this consortium) and STM partnership to produce the remaining three I-class (Istif-class) frigates for the Turkish Navy. These frigates are the 6th, 7th, and 8th ships of the MILGEM project, as the first four ships are ADA-class corvettes and the 5th ship is TCG Istanbul, the lead ship of the I-class frigates.
These three frigates are being built concurrently at the Sefine, Anadolu, and Sedef Shipyards. The shipyards will deliver the frigates in 36 months.
In January 2024, At the Defence Industry Executive Committee meeting, chaired by the President of the Republic, a decision was made to construct four additional I-class frigates under the MİLGEM project. These new vessels, designated as the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th ships of the MİLGEM project (and the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th I-class frigates), will also be built by TAIS shipyards. With the first seetl-cuttings already completed for these ships, a total of seven I-class frigates are currently under construction at TAIS-affiliated shipyards, underscoring the program’s significant momentum and Turkiye’s commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities.
About I-Class (Istif-class) Frigate
The I-class Frigate Program was launched to construct four frigates to replace aging YAVUZ-class Frigates in the mid-2020s. Developed under the MILGEM indigenous warship program, the Istanbul class is an enlarged variant of the Ada-class anti-submarine corvette. These frigates will have around 50% increased fuel capacity and operational/sailing range capability compared to Ada-class Corvettes.
The lead-vessel of the class, TCG Istanbul (F-515), joined to the Turkish Navy in the first month of the 2024, following 3 frigates are expected to enter service in 2026. These warships are the first frigates built by the Turkish defence industry which features an indigenization rate exceeding %80.
The I-class frigates have the configuration to conduct detection, determination of position, classification, identification, and destruction of the target and NGFS. The frigate is designed to conduct maritime surveillance and patrol operations, inspection, and surveillance of EEZ besides preventing potential threats.
Specifications:
| Length Overall | 113.2 meters |
| Length Waterline | 105.2 meters |
| Beam Max | 14.4 meters |
| Draught | 4.05 meters |
| Displacement | 3,000 tons |
| Maximum Speed | 29+ knots |
| Cruise Speed | 14 knots |
| Endurance | 5,700 Nm at 14 knots |
| Main Propulsion | CODAG (2xMTU Diesel engines + 1xLM2500 gas turbine) 2x shafts and CPP propellers |
| Power Generation | 4 x 560kw diesel generator |
| CMS | HAVELSAN ADVENT |
| Sensor Suit | – Aselsan CENK-S AESA radar – Aselsan ALPER-P LPI navigational radar – 2xAKR-D Fire Control radars – ASELFLIR-300T, PIRI KATS, and AHTAPOT EO systems – FERSAH hull-mounted sonar – HIZIR Torpedo Countermeasures System – Laser warning system – Aselsan ARES 2N (V2) ESM |
| Weapons | – 16-cell MIDLAS indigenous VLS for launching HISAR family of surface-to-air missiles (SIPER long range air defence missiles in the future) – 4×4 ATMACA anti-ship missiles – Aselsan Gokdeniz CIWS – 76 mm Super Rapid Gun – 2 x 25 mm Aselsan STOP machine gun – 2×3 Lightweight torpedo (MK-46 Mod 5 / Roketsan ORKA in the future) |
