Turkish I-Class MILGEM Project Gets a Power Boost with Additional LM2500 Engines

One year after GE Aerospace’s initial agreement with the TAIS-STM partnership in Istanbul, Türkiye, to supply LM2500 marine gas turbines for the İstif-Class frigates 6 through 8 in the MILGEM project, a new order for frigates 9 through 12 has been initiated. The LM2500, renowned for its decades of innovation, will deliver 23 MW of power to each frigate.

The İstif-class frigates are an enlarged version of the Ada-class corvettes, also powered by LM2500 gas turbines. These frigates feature a slightly larger hull for improved endurance, increased range capability, and longer-range weapons. The MILGEM project, a highly successful program for the Turkish Navy, is built on regional and global cooperation and has been exported to other countries.

Bureau Veritas’ certification supports the advance of Provence Grand Large

Since 1997, GE Aerospace has provided reliable propulsion solutions to the Turkish Naval Forces. Currently, 31 LM2500 gas turbines are installed on 18 ships in Türkiye. These include the Ada class corvettes and frigates of the MILGEM project, as well as the Barbaros and Gabya class frigates and the DIMDEG fleet oil replenishment vessel. The LM2500 family of engines, with extensive fleet experience and proven reliability, is ideal for the Navy’s future TF-2000 air defense destroyer.

Globally, 1,140 GE Aerospace marine gas turbines are aboard 513 naval vessels, supplying reliable power to 39 international navies. GE Aerospace supports navies worldwide with eight service depots, ensuring interoperability with other allied ships.

GE Aerospace has been a committed partner to Türkiye for nearly 60 years, with offices and facilities in Istanbul, Ankara, and Gebze. Over 440 employees support an installed base of more than 2300 commercial and defense sector engines across the country. The Türkiye Technology Center‘s highly-skilled engineers contribute to GE Aerospace’s global engineering efforts on new engine programs, software development, and additive manufacturing, reinforcing Türkiye’s status as an advanced aerospace hub.