The new “national aircraft carrier” developed by TurkeyMUGEM, presented in a model the Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The event that was central to the Turkish president took place in the framework of the Teknofest – Mavi Vatan Naval Technology Exhibition in Istanbul.
In the presentation of the “national aircraft carrier” prepared by Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan was obviously pleased with the new “pride” of the neighboring Navy.
The Commander of the Constantinople Shipyard said Mugem’s construction began in early 2025 and was going to be around 2027-2028. It will be delivered to the Turkish Navy before 2030.
It will be the first domestic and constructed aircraft carrier for Turkey. The TCG Anadolu set up in April 2023 was built in collaboration with the Spanish Navantia, based on the plan of Juan Carlos I.
“Turkey’s national aircraft carrier will be capable of sailing from Istanbul to New York and rear without refueling, covering 10,000 nautical miles.”.
He stressed that the Mega-Blocks of the aircraft carrier are jointly produced with affiliated shipyards, which accelerates the construction rate. He also noted that the ski-jump ramp will be ready in a few months, allowing companies such as Tai and Baykar to start flight tests with drones based on the new aircraft carrier (Kizilelma, TB3, Anka and TB2).
According to him, it will be 285 meters long and a weight of 60,000 tonnes. The TCG Anadolu is 230 meters long and a weight of 27,000 tonnes.
The work of MUGEM was first introduced publicly in February 2024, when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the project design office at the Istanbul shipyard.
The aircraft carrier is expected to host up to 50 aircraft, including manned and unmanned systems. The current plan provides space for 20 aircraft on deck and 30 in the shed.
Why did the Turks become furious with the “model” presented
But apart from pride, the event dedicated to the new aircraft carrier has sparked strong reactions to the Turks.
During the event in Istanbul, Erdogan went on stage to speak his speech on the achievements of the Turkish defense industry. Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler and Turkish Navy leader Admiral Erzumed Tatlioglou carried a fairly large model with the national aircraft carrier And they held her in front of Erdogan.
This scene went viral on Turkish social media and sparked reactions, characterizing Guiller’s “Child for the wishes”.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan realized the last module source of the national aircraft carrier MUGEM’s test ramp.
– These ramps will be delivered to Baykar and TUSAŞ and will be used in the tests of platforms such as Kızılelma and Hürjet that will make MUGEM landing/take -off! pic.twitter.com/yTovjZQ3FI
– Defendanayist.com (@savunmasanayist) August 28, 2025
Some Turkish media refer to the deterioration of the role and image of the Turkish Armed Forces.
Retired officers argue that “the scene downgraded the dignity of their uniforms and led to a picture of submission.”
“We have been at a time when military uniforms are used only to carry mock -ups,” says one of the comments.
source: OnAlert.gr