The future TCG Izmir, the latest I-class frigate built by the Anadolu Shipyard in Istanbul, has begun her sea trials and could be delivered before the end of 2026.
The multi-role stealth frigates are being built to an STM design which represents an evolution of the firm’s Ada-class corvettes.
Construction of ten warships is being split across four facilities under the STM–TAİS joint venture: the other three centres are Istanbul Naval Shipyard, which produced the first-in-class TCG Istanbul, as well as the Sedef and Sefine shipyards.
Eight of the warships are for the Turkish Navy’s domestic fleet, while two vessels are being exported to Indonesia. Media reports suggest Izmir could be one of the two warships destined for the Indo-Pacific region along with the future TCG İçel, one of the Sefine Shipyard vessels.
In a press statement Anadolu Shipyard stated: “As one of the significant examples of the engineering and production capabilities achieved by Türkiye’s indigenous and national defence industry, the Izmir… is preparing to undertake critical missions in the defence of the Blue Homeland.
“With their superior operational capabilities, modern systems, and advanced technologies, our I-class frigates will further strengthen the capabilities of the Turkish Naval Forces while once again demonstrating Türkiye’s maritime deterrence and competence in the defence industry across the world’s seas.”
The 113-metre vessels displace about 3,150 tonnes and have a top speed of over 29 knots. They have an emphasis on air defence but are also equipped for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare, and maritime patrol missions.
The warships feature the Midlas Vertical Launch System (VLS), Turkiye’s domestically developed equivalent of the American Mk 41 system. Sitting at the heart of the ship’s air defence, Midlas is capable of firing Hisar and Siper surface-to-air missiles.
The warships also carry 16 canister-launched Atmaca anti-ship missiles, a 76mm main gun, and a 35mm Gokdeniz close-in weapon system (CIWS). More than 80% of the systems on board the warships are indigenously developed.
- You can read more details about the I-class frigates on the Anadolu Shipyard website and the STM website
