Turkish Navy Unveils A Fully Indigenous Aircraft Carrier
Turkish Navy showcased the mockup of its future aircraft carrier, MUGEM, for the first time. “MUGEM” stands for Milli Uçak Gemisi, meaning “National Aircraft Carrier,” highlighting Turkiye’s ambition to develop the carrier without foreign assistance. This project represents a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts toward self-reliance in naval defense capabilities.
The conceptual design phase for MUGEM is still underway, but Turkish officials have made it clear that the carrier will be built entirely domestically, reflecting Turkiye’s growing expertise in the naval shipbuilding sector.
The MUGEM project was first unveiled publicly in February 2024, when President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an visited the Design Project Office at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard. Since then, the project has garnered widespread attention. In April 2024, journalists were given a behind-the-scenes tour at the shipyard, where Turkish naval officials shared updates on the project, including details about the ship’s design and capabilities.
MUGEM features an optimized hull form, developed using a multi-dimensional optimization tool, which ensures excellent seakeeping, stability, and high maneuverability. These capabilities have been proven through internal simulation tools, making the carrier a robust asset in various sea conditions. The bow design, in particular, delivers a 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption and improves underwater noise propagation, enhancing both the efficiency and operational stealth of the vessel.
carrier is set to feature three runways—two for takeoff and one for landing. Initially, the carrier will be built without a catapult system, opting instead for a modular ramp design. However, Turkish engineers are already working on an indigenous catapult system, which is expected to replace the modular ramp in the future, further enhancing the carrier’s operational capabilities.
carrier is expected to house up to 50 aircraft, including manned and unmanned systems. The current plan allocates space for 20 aircraft on the deck and 30 in the hangar. Some of the aircraft slated for deployment include the naval version of TAI’s Hurjet light attack aircraft, TAI’s ANKA-III unmanned jet fighter, Baykar's Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned jet fighter, and the TB-3 UCAV. Turkish defense officials have hinted that the carrier’s aircraft capacity may increase as the project progresses, and discussions with Turkish defense companies TAI and Baykar are already underway.