Critical progress has been made in the construction of the National Aircraft Carrier (MUGEM), the Turkish Navy’s largest and most ambitious project. Chaired by Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Naval Forces, a MUGEM project progress meeting was held at the Istanbul Shipyard Command. During the meeting, the latest developments in the shipbuilding process, technical details, and plans for the testing phase were discussed in detail. Admiral Tatlıoğlu’s participation once again underscored Turkey’s determination to enhance its naval power.
MUGEM’s Technical Structure and Combat Systems
The technical details of the MUGEM project were previously outlined by the engineers working on the project at the National Aircraft Carrier Forum, held last August as part of TEKNOFEST Mavi Vatan.
1. Propulsion System Selection and Performance: Engineer Lieutenant Aykut Demirezen noted that work had begun on the configuration of the ship’s auxiliary propulsion system. It was noted that by examining the main propulsion systems of aircraft carriers in navies around the world, the main engine configuration best suited to the speed requirements and 10,000 nautical mile cruising range specified by the Naval Command had been determined.
- Main Propulsion System: The COGAG (Combined Gas Turbine and Gas Turbine) configuration will consist of 4 gas turbines and 2 controllable-pitch propellers.
- Maximum Speed: 25 knots.
Cruising Capacity: The target is a minimum of 60 days of operational capacity and a range of 10,000 nautical miles without resupply.
2. Radar and Air Defense System: Engineering First Lieutenant Ebubekir Er stated that his primary responsibility is to determine the combat systems. Er’s remarks highlighted the most important features that distinguish MUGEM from other aircraft carriers:
- National Radar Capability: The national aircraft carrier has been equipped with ÇAFRAD, a system developed with domestic capabilities and featuring a range of 750 kilometers—a capability found on no other aircraft carrier. ÇAFRAD will serve as the ship’s “eyes and ears.”
- Layered Air Defense: To provide the ship with layered air defense against all types of aircraft and guided missiles, a 32-cell national vertical launch system capable of firing guided missiles as well as offensive rounds has been installed.
Key Features and Capabilities of the Ship
MUGEM, for which President Erdoğan performed the final weld on the test ramp’s last module at TEKNOFEST Mavi Vatan, stands out for its size and operational capacity.
Once MUGEM enters service, it will have the potential to extend Turkey’s air power to much greater distances at sea and enhance its strategic deterrence in the region. The progress of this project is one of the most important symbols reflecting the current state of the Turkish defense industry and its goal of full independence.
