The Turkish Naval Forces Commander, Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, announced that the country's first indigenous aircraft carrier, MUGEM, will be launched on September 27, 2027.
Why it matters
- MUGEM will be the world's first aircraft carrier to integrate unmanned air, sea, and underwater systems into a single command and control network.
- The Turkish Naval Forces are currently building 47 warships, with 10 new platforms to be added.
- The indigenous ATMACA anti-ship missile has successfully hit a target 190 kilometers away from a submarine, replacing the Harpoon missile.
The construction of MUGEM aims to enhance Turkey's air power and unmanned systems capability at sea. Admiral Tatlıoğlu stated that the ship is currently under construction and will be launched on September 27, 2027. The vessel's flight deck and hangars are being developed for the effective use of KIZILELMA in a maritime environment. MUGEM is designed to accommodate not only air vehicles but also unmanned sea and underwater vehicles.
The launch of MUGEM marks a critical milestone for the Turkish Naval Forces in terms of integrating air power and unmanned systems in open seas. This development reflects Turkey's push for indigenous production in its defense industry, extending to naval platforms. The integration of unmanned systems on an aircraft carrier may also create a new operational model for NATO and allied countries.
Source: Tabya Dijital
