Turkish Navy unveils MUGEM: a fully indigenous aircraft carrier

During SAHA EXPO 2024, the Turkish Navy presented for the first time the model of its future aircraft carrier, MUGEM. “MUGEM” means National Aircraft Shipwhich means “national aircraft carrier”, highlighting Turkey's ambition to develop the aircraft carrier without foreign assistance. This project represents an important step in the country's continued efforts toward self-reliance in naval defense capabilities.

The design phase of MUGEM is still underway, but Turkish officials have made it clear that the aircraft carrier will be built entirely domestically, reflecting Turkey's growing expertise in the shipbuilding sector.

The MUGEM project was first publicly revealed in February 2024, when President Recep Tayyip Erdoan visited the Istanbul Shipyard Design Project Office. Since then, the project has attracted great interest. In April 2024Journalists were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the shipyard, where Turkish Navy officials shared updates on the project, including details on the ship's design and capabilities.

Design, hull shape and capabilities

MUGEM features an optimized hull shape, developed using a multi-dimensional optimization tool, which guarantees excellent seakeeping, stability and great maneuverability. These capabilities have been proven through in-house simulation tools, making the aircraft carrier a robust asset in various sea conditions. The bow design, in particular, allows for a 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption and enhances the propagation of underwater noise, improving both the efficiency and operational stealth of the vessel.

The carrier is expected to have three runways, two for takeoff and one for landing. Initially, the carrier will be built without a catapult system, opting instead for a modular ramp design. However, Turkish engineers are already working on a local catapult system, which is expected to replace the modular ramp in the future, thereby improving the operational capabilities of the aircraft carrier.

The aircraft carrier is expected to accommodate up to 50 aircraft, including manned and unmanned systems. The current plan calls for space for 20 aircraft on deck and 30 in the hangar. Some of the aircraft planned for deployment include the naval version of TAI's Hurjet light attack aircraft, TAI's ANKA-III unmanned jet fighter, Baykars Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned jet fighter and the UCAV TB-3. Turkish defense officials have hinted that carrier aircraft capacity could increase as the project progresses, and discussions with Turkish defense companies TAI and Baykar are already underway.

Armament and self-defense

For its self-defense capabilities, the MUGEM will be armed with a 32-cell (8×4) MIDLAS Vertical Launch System (VLS) and four Gkdeniz Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS). Additionally, six 25mm Aselsan STOP standoff weapon systems will provide short-range defense primarily against asymmetric threats.

Technical specifications

The MUGEM aircraft carrier is designed to be a formidable asset to the Turkish Navy, with the following technical specifications:

• Length: 285 meters
• Beam: 72 meters
• Draft: 10.1 meters
• Shift: 60,000 tonnes
• Maximum speed: 25+ nodes
• Cruising speed: 14 knots
• Range: 10,000 nautical miles at cruising speed
• Propulsion: Combined gas and gas turbine system (COGAG) with four LM2500 gas turbines, providing a total of 23 MW each
• Staff Capacity: Accommodation for at least 800 people
• Aircraft capacity: 50 aircraft with/without pilot
• Combat Management System: AVENT CMS
• Arc design: 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption and improvement in underwater noise propagation

The unveiling of the MUGEM mock-up at SAHA EXPO 2024 signals Turkey's determination to elevate its naval power with a fully indigenous aircraft carrier. With the country's growing expertise in defense technologies and emphasis on indigenous solutions, MUGEM is poised to become a central asset in Turkey's maritime defense strategy.