Turkey appears to be moving ahead at pace with the construction of its first indigenous aircraft carrier under the MUGEM National Aircraft Carrier program. According to statements by Rear Admiral Recep Erdinç Yetkin, commander of the Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command, the project has already reached several key milestones, with the steel cutting phase completed and testing infrastructure for aircraft operations now finished.
The Turkish Navy is reportedly aiming to launch the ship by the end of 2027, a timeline that suggests Ankara is accelerating its ambitions to join the small group of nations capable of building and operating large aircraft carriers.
While the launch date does not mean the ship will enter service immediately—major warships typically require several years of fitting-out and sea trials—the target indicates that Turkey intends to move quickly in developing a new generation of naval aviation capabilities.
A Larger Step Beyond TCG Anadolu
The new carrier would represent a significant leap beyond Turkey’s current flagship, the TCG Anadolu, which entered service in 2023 as a light aircraft carrier and amphibious assault ship.
Unlike Anadolu, which displaces around 27,000 tons, the MUGEM carrier is expected to reach approximately 55,000–60,000 tons, placing it in the same general size category as the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier operated by the United Kingdom.
Preliminary figures discussed by Turkish defense sources suggest the new ship could measure around 285–300 meters in length, with a wide flight deck equipped with a ski-jump ramp and multiple aircraft elevators.
A Drone-Centric Air Wing
What makes the MUGEM project particularly interesting is its unconventional aviation concept. Rather than relying primarily on traditional carrier fighters, Turkey is investing heavily in unmanned combat aircraft designed for naval operations.
Among the systems expected to operate from the carrier are:
- Bayraktar TB3, a navalized drone with folding wings designed for ski-jump takeoffs
- Bayraktar Kızılelma, a jet-powered unmanned combat aircraft capable of air-to-air and strike missions
These drones are being developed primarily by Baykar, in coordination with the Turkish defense industry.
If this concept materializes as planned, the MUGEM carrier could operate dozens of unmanned aircraft simultaneously, creating a highly distributed and flexible air wing.
The Possibility of a Naval Hürjet
In addition to drones, Turkish planners have also discussed the possibility of a navalized version of the TAI Hürjet, the country’s new advanced jet trainer developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries.
A carrier-capable Hürjet would likely require structural reinforcement and an arrestor hook for deck landings. However, since the current design of the MUGEM carrier is believed to rely on a ski-jump launch system rather than catapults, the feasibility of operating such aircraft from the ship remains uncertain.
For now, drones appear to be the primary focus of Turkey’s future naval aviation plans.
A Potential First in Naval Aviation
If Turkey successfully integrates large numbers of combat drones into its carrier air wing, the MUGEM project could represent a significant shift in naval warfare concepts.
In fact, Turkey could end up fielding the first carrier air wing dominated by drones, something that even the United States Navy and the People's Liberation Army Navy have not yet achieved.
While both navies are experimenting with unmanned systems, neither currently operates a carrier whose air wing is designed primarily around drones.
Looking Toward the 2030s
Even if the ship is launched in 2027, analysts expect several years of testing and integration before the vessel becomes operational. A realistic timeline for entry into service could place the MUGEM carrier in the early 2030s.
Still, the project highlights Turkey’s ambition to become a major naval power with indigenous carrier-building capability, while simultaneously experimenting with new concepts in naval aviation that could influence the future of carrier operations worldwide.
