Anadolu Shipyard lays keel of 5th I-class frigate for Turkish Navy
On January 17, 2025, Anadolu Shipyard in Istanbul laid the keel for the fifth I-class frigate, marking a significant milestone in Türkiye’s naval capabilities. Although the event was not officially announced, images shared on social media confirmed the keel-laying ceremony. This development highlights the rapid progress of the I-class frigate program, especially following the recent launch of the second frigate, TCG İzmir (F-516), just a week prior.
Advancements in the I-Class Frigate Program
The I-class frigate program aims to replace the aging YAVUZ-class frigates in the Turkish Navy. The program is part of the broader MILGEM indigenous warship initiative. On April 6, 2023, a contract was signed between the Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB) and the TAIS Shipyards consortium, which includes Anadolu, Sedef, and Sefine shipyards, to produce three additional I-class frigates. These ships will be the sixth, seventh, and eighth vessels in the MILGEM project, following the lead ship, TCG Istanbul (F-515), which joined the Turkish Navy in early 2024.
Currently, the second, third, and fourth I-class frigates are under construction at the Sefine, Anadolu, and Sedef shipyards, with a delivery timeline of 36 months. In January 2024, the Defence Industry Executive Committee approved the construction of four more I-class frigates, designated as the ninth through twelfth ships of the MILGEM project. While the specific shipyard assignments within the TAIS consortium have not been officially disclosed, recent images suggest that Anadolu Shipyard will construct three frigates: F-516, F-519, and F-522.
The I-class frigates are designed for various maritime operations, including surveillance, patrol, and threat prevention. They will feature advanced capabilities, including a significant increase in fuel capacity and operational range compared to their predecessors. The indigenous design boasts an indigenization rate exceeding 80%, showcasing Türkiye’s growing defense industry capabilities.
Specifications and Capabilities of the I-Class Frigates
The I-class frigates are an enlarged variant of the Ada-class anti-submarine corvette, designed to enhance Türkiye’s naval defense. With a length of 113.2 meters and a displacement of 3,000 tons, these frigates can reach speeds exceeding 29 knots. They are equipped with a CODAG propulsion system, combining two MTU diesel engines and one LM2500 gas turbine.
The frigates will feature a comprehensive sensor suite, including Aselsan’s CENK-S AESA radar and various electro-optical systems. Their armament includes a 16-cell indigenous vertical launch system (VLS) for surface-to-air missiles, ATMACA anti-ship missiles, and a 76 mm Super Rapid Gun, among others. This advanced configuration allows the I-class frigates to conduct detection, classification, and engagement of maritime threats effectively.
In summary, the keel-laying of the fifth I-class frigate signifies a crucial step in Türkiye’s naval modernization efforts. With multiple ships under construction and advanced capabilities, the I-class frigates are set to play a vital role in enhancing the Turkish Navy’s operational readiness and maritime security.
