Overview of the Defence Industry Executive Committee Meeting
The first Defence Industry Executive Committee meeting of the year took place at the Presidential Complex, conducted privately. This meeting, lasting approximately ninety minutes, focused on evaluating the defence sector’s progress in 2024 and setting future objectives. Discussions also led to pivotal project approvals, notably the TF-2000 Air Defence Warfare Destroyer and the MİLDEN submarine project.
Significant Approvals: TF-2000 and MİLDEN
During the meeting, the committee assessed projects related to swarm-capable kamikaze unmanned aerial and naval vehicles, as well as the roles of unmanned combat aircraft in future military operations. This evaluation included the Unmanned Combat Aircraft Project, designed for executing air-to-air, air-to-ground attacks, and air defence missions. The committee’s statements highlighted several key projects: “We deliberated on mass production initiatives for low, medium, and high altitude air defence systems, long-range missile systems that enhance our nation’s strike capabilities, and missile development projects that serve as force multipliers. The TF-2000 Air Defence Warfare Destroyer, with its advanced air defence features, and the National Submarine (MİLDEN) Project, establishing us among the elite nations capable of designing and building submarines, were approved. Additionally, enhancing our independent space access capabilities, the T625 GÖKBEY helicopter serial production for light-class general-purpose needs, and electronic warfare capability projects were prioritized. We also focused on defending critical facilities against UAV threats, acquiring additional armed unmanned aerial vehicles, and obtaining various armoured personnel carriers, rescue vehicles, and kamikaze land vehicles. The procurement of simulators and electro-optical systems was also sanctioned.”
Notably, the National Aircraft Carrier (MUGEM) project was absent from the statement. In January 2025, significant milestones like the first welding of MİLDEN at Gölcük Shipyard Command and initial sheet metal cuts for the TF-2000 and National Aircraft Carrier at Istanbul Shipyard were achieved.
TF-2000 Air Defence Warfare Destroyer: Specifications and Features
TF-2000 is envisioned as Turkey’s maritime Steel Dome, safeguarding vital assets such as TCG Anadolu and the National Aircraft Carrier from aerial threats. Expected to enter service by 2027 or 2028, the initial production phase targets four units, with plans to expand to eight units. Key specifications include:
- Length: 149 meters
- Width: 21.3 meters
- Draft: 5.75 meters
- Displacement: 8,300 tonnes
- Speed: 26+ knots
- Main Drive System: CODOG (2 Gas Turbines, 2 Diesel Engines)
- Range: 5,000 nautical miles at 17 knots
General Features:
- Crew: 180-210 (accommodation for 240 personnel)
- Operational Capabilities: Unrestricted in sea state 5, with 45 days of logistical autonomy and 180 days without primary base support
- Stealth Features: Low radar, infrared, acoustic, and magnetic signatures
- Localization Rate: 85%
Weapon Systems:
- Laser Warning System
- Electronic Warfare and CAFRAD Systems
- 96-cell MIDLAS Vertical Launch System
- 127mm Main Gun and Surface-to-Surface Missiles
- Helicopter and Unmanned Systems Capacity
National Aircraft Carrier: Design and Capabilities
The National Aircraft Carrier will host various aircraft, including HÜRJET, KIZILELMA, TB3, and ANKA 3. It features two take-off and one landing runway, with a minimum capacity for 50 aircraft. Designed at 285 meters in length and 72 meters in width, it displaces 60,000 tonnes, achieving a minimum speed of 25 knots and a range of 10,000 nautical miles without refueling.
- Total Length: 285 meters
- Width: 72 meters
- Displacement: 60,000 tonnes
- Speed: 25 knots
- Range: 10,000 nautical miles
- Weaponry: 32-cell MIDLAS, 4 GÖKDENİZ YHSS
- Aircraft Capacity: 50 (30 in hangar, 20 on deck)
- Main Propulsion: COCAG (4 LM 2500 Gas Turbines)
- Runways: 2 take-off, 1 landing
- Aircraft System: STOBAR
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