The four additional Istanbul-class frigates will complement four already under construction. First-of-class
Istanbul
(pictured) commenced sea-acceptance trials in June 2023 and is shortly due to be commissioned.
(Turkish MoD)

The Turkish government has given the green light to build four additional Istanbul (TF-100)-class frigates and to progress plans for an aircraft carrier to the design phase.

The decisions were taken during a meeting of the Defence Industry Executive Committee (SSIK), chaired by Turkish President Recep Erdoğan, which was held on 3 January.

In a communiqué on social media following the meeting, the president’s communications directorate said decisions within the scope of naval projects were also reached regarding the construction of new types of landing ships, new-generation minehunting vessels, and Turkish fast attack craft (FAC), as well as for the construction of additional Hisar (modified MILGEM)-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) to complement the first two vessels in the class – although no timeframes for any of the projects were revealed. In addition, projects aimed at adding new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to the inventory were discussed, the president’s communications directorate noted.