Article Summary: Turkey has unveiled plans for its first-ever aircraft carrier, the MUGEM, an ambitious project aimed at boosting its naval power. The carrier will reportedly feature a ski-jump launch system, a 50-aircraft capacity, and a mix of manned and unmanned fighter jets.
Key Point #1 – If successful, MUGEM could strengthen Turkey’s strategic presence in the Black Sea, providing NATO with a valuable deterrent against Russia.
Key Point #2 – However, building an aircraft carrier is a daunting task, even for seasoned naval powers. With Turkey navigating complex engineering and supply chain challenges, the real question remains—can it turn this bold vision into a reality?
Turkey’s Ambitious Aircraft Carrier Plan: Drones, Fighter Jets, and a Bold Vision
Turkey is taking a massive, ambitious step to engineer an indigenous aircraft carrier capable of projecting power, launching fighter jets, and even operating drones from its flight deck.
An initial mock-up of the carrier, the MUGEM project, was shown publicly in February of 2024 at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard. Naval News details some available specs emerging from Turkish descriptions of the ship, which reportedly include an “optimum hull form” designed for seakeeping, stability, and maneuverability.
The design, refined and tested through various computer simulations, is also engineered with a “quieter” noise signature and more efficient fuel consumption.
It is not clear how advanced Turkish engineers are with digital engineering. Yet, cutting-edge computer simulations can closely replicate the performance parameters of weapons systems and combat platforms.
Turkey is quite vocal that this carrier will be 100 percent “Turkey” built, with complete construction taking place at its own shipyard. This development would signify a massive breakthrough step forward for the country.
Drones & Manned Fighters for MUGEM?
The MUGEM mock-up shows three runways and a ski-jump-like fighter jet takeoff, yet Naval News says Turkish engineers are already working on an indigenous catapult system.
With a reported capacity of carrying as many as 50 aircraft comprised of both drones and manned aircraft, the Turkish carrier will launch a naval version of TAI’s Hurjet light attack aircraft, TAI’s ANKA-II drone jet fighter, the TB-3 UCAV and KIZILELMA drones.
“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.” Naval News states.
Turkey & Black Sea
Turkey is a NATO member, yet its relations with the United States and allied countries are known for various complications, twists, and turns, partly related to its deliberations and deals with Russia about acquiring S-400 air defenses.
Turkish coastline stretches entirely across the Black Sea’s Southern border, and the country controls access to the Black Sea through the Bosporus Strait and the Dardanelles. This gives Turkey tremendous strategic and geopolitical influence, given that multiple NATO countries, including Ukraine, border the Black Sea.
With instant and immediate access to the Black Sea, a Turkish carrier could bring tremendous advantages to NATO. Should Turkey operate with an unambiguous loyalty to the NATO alliance, its carrier would introduce an extremely significant deterrent against Russia and offer substantial protection to Romania and Bulgaria.
Aircraft Carrier-Building Challenges
The existence of a “mock-up” carrier does not instantly translate into a fully built, operational ship, as carriers take years to build and are, of course, extremely complex. The USS Ford, for example, experienced years of delays and cost overruns, and it is unclear if Turkey truly has the indigenous supply parts and shipbuilding expertise sufficient to bring its design to reality.
Carrier construction involves building intricate modules complete with electronics, piping, propulsion systems, and electronics, all of which must operate synchronized and integrated.
If the US experience is any guide, Turkey may encounter substantial roadblocks and challenges as it surges toward completion, particularly because this is the country’s first full venture into entirely indigenous construction.
About the Author: Kris Osborn
Kris Osborn is the Military Technology Editor of 19FortyFive and President of Warrior Maven – Center for Military Modernization. Osborn previously served at the Pentagon as a highly qualified expert in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army—Acquisition, Logistics & Technology. Osborn has also worked as an anchor and on-air military specialist at national TV networks. He has appeared as a guest military expert on Fox News, MSNBC, The Military Channel, and The History Channel. He also has a Masters Degree in Comparative Literature from Columbia University.
