Turkey launched its first aircraft carrier in order to expand its drone capabilities from land-based to naval operations amidst increased regional tensions.
The TCG Anadolu, which is 232 meters long and 32 meters wide, is capable of handling light aircraft like helicopters and jets with shorter runways.
It has the capacity to carry one battalion of soldiers, combat vehicles, and support units for overseas operations, accommodating up to 1,400 personnel.
President Tayyip Erdogan, who spoke at the launch ceremony in Istanbul, stated that the vessel will enable them to conduct military and humanitarian operations globally when necessary.
He further added that the vessel symbolizes Turkey’s regional leadership position consolidation.
A Turkish-Spanish consortium built the amphibious assault ship in Istanbul’s Sedef Shipyard based on the design of Spanish light aircraft carrier Juan Carlos I.
Initially, Ankara planned to deploy F-35 B-model fighter jets, capable of taking off from shorter runways, on its largest warship. However, after the United States removed Turkey from its F-35 program due to Ankara’s purchase of Russian S-400 defense systems in 2019, Turkey had to change its plans.
As a result, TCG Anadolu converted into a drone carrier.
Bayraktar TB3 and Kizilelma unmanned aerial combat vehicles
In addition to helicopters, Turkey intends to deploy Bayraktar TB3 and Kizilelma unmanned aerial combat vehicles.
Turkish defense firm Baykar produced them, as well as the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), developed Hurjet light attack aircraft on the new carrier.
When the plan is implemented, TCG Anadolu will be the world’s first aircraft carrier whose fleet is mostly made up of armed drones.
As NATO’s second-largest army, Turkey shares a border with conflict-ridden Syria and Iraq and has a long Mediterranean and Black Sea coastline. During the 14-month Ukraine war, Turkey positioned itself as an intermediary between Kyiv and Moscow, helping to broker a deal with the United Nations that allowed for the safe export of grain from Ukrainian ports via the Black Sea.
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