Turkey confirms the construction of a second aircraft carrier based on Navantia's Juan Carlos I

In a meeting of the Turkish Defense Industry Executive Committee, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, held at the Presidential Complex, the committee assessed the current state of the Turkish defense industry, outlined future objectives, and deliberated on crucial projects.

Decisions were made during the meeting, including the initiation of the design phase for an Aircraft Carrier as part of military ship projects. 

According to the known plans before the plans were finally confirmed for the construction of a new Turkish aircraft carrier, which will be an upgraded version of the TCG Anadolu. This project is based on Navantia's previous work, the Spanish company that designed the Juan Carlos I. However, there is no mention of new submarines in these plans, despite a potential collaboration agreement between Turkey and Spain for a medium-term program based on the design of the Spanish Navy's S-80.

The disagreement between Ankara and Washington over Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems led to Turkey's exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet program. As a result, for now, only unmanned fixed-wing aircraft can operate on the TCG Anadolu.

The TCG Anadolu, with a deck of over 200 meters in length and a displacement of 28,000 tons, is the world's first ship to carry armed drones. This vessel was designed to accommodate unmanned models like the TB3 Bayraktar and Kizilelma, and possibly the light combat aircraft Hurjet in the future. Additionally, it is equipped to operate helicopters.

Plans were also approved for constructing ships such as MİLGEM 9-10-11-12th ships (I-class frigates), offshore patrol vessels, new types of landing ships, new generation minehunters, and Turkish Type Fast Attack Crafts (FACs).

Additionally, the decisions covered a wide range of initiatives, including new missiles, radars, electronic warfare, communications, various weapons, ammunition and equipment, air defense systems, and satellite and space systems.

The defense industry has significant contribution to the Turkish economy, noting a record-breaking figure of $5.5 billion, indicating a 27% increase compared to the previous year, demonstrating the growing confidence in Turkish defense industry products, with export destinations increasing from 176 to more than 185 countries.

Turkey is fully commited to achieve a fully independent defense industry, utilizing domestic and national technologies. It confirms the expansion of the Turkish Navy, particularly mentioning the official confirmation of the Aircraft Carrier project, expected to be a larger and more capable version of the TCG Anadolu.

However, there was no mention regarding to the TF-2000 destroyer project, raising questions about the decision's coverage, but there are ongoing and upcoming projects in shipbuilding, including the construction of Hisar-class offshore patrol ships and the Turkish Type Fast Patrol Boat project.