The eighth ship built under the MİLGEM 6–12th Istif-Class Frigate Supply Project, TCG İçel (F-518), was officially launched at a ceremony held at Sefine Shipyard in Yalova.
The project, initiated under a contract signed on April 6, 2023, is being executed in collaboration with TAIS Joint Venture and STM. Construction of seven Istif-class frigates is ongoing simultaneously at three different shipyards, with Sefine Shipyard responsible for two of them.
Technical Specifications of TCG İçel
- Length: 113 meters
- Displacement: 3,200 tons
- Maximum Speed: 29+ knots
- Range:
- 5,700 nautical miles at 14 knots
- 4,000 nautical miles at 18 knots
- Endurance: 15 days
- Helicopter Capacity: Flight deck suitable for 10-ton helicopters or UAV operations
- Propulsion: Gas turbine–diesel engine combination
- Operational Capability: Can conduct helicopter operations up to sea state 4 in the Black Sea, Aegean Sea, and Eastern Mediterranean
Mission and Operational Capabilities
TCG İçel has been designed for multi-role operations in all weather conditions, including:
- Surveillance, reconnaissance, and patrol missions
- Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
- Surface warfare (SuW) and air defense warfare (AAW)
- Electronic warfare and asymmetric threat defense
- Search and rescue (SAR)
- Amphibious operation support
- Protection of maritime transport and counter-terrorism missions
Domestic Weapons and Systems
The frigate is outfitted with advanced indigenous systems and weaponry from the Turkish defense industry, including:
- 76 mm MKE main gun
- Gökdeniz Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)
- MİDLAS Vertical Launch System (VLS)
- Atmaca anti-ship missiles
These systems are integrated with:
- 3D Search Radar
- Fire Control Radar
- Electro-Optical Systems
- Electronic Warfare Systems
- ADVENT Combat Management System
TCG İçel Equipped with Longer MİDLAS Vertical Launch System
The first ship of the İstif-class frigates, TCG İstanbul (F-515), was equipped with a tactical variant of the MİDLAS vertical launch system, measuring 6.7 meters in length and weighing 15 tons.
For the newly launched TCG İçel (F-518), a longer “strike-length” version of MİDLAS was selected. This upgraded system measures 8 meters and weighs 18 tons, offering enhanced capabilities.
The extended MİDLAS provides the Turkish Navy with greater operational flexibility by supporting a wider range of missile types and ranges. This allows integration of both national air defense missiles and various strike munitions, significantly boosting the ship’s deterrence and combat effectiveness against multiple threats.
With this advancement, TCG İçel and subsequent İstif-class frigates will strengthen Türkiye’s naval power by offering more versatile air defense and strike options.
High Domestic Contribution Rate
The TCG İçel reflects a strong emphasis on domestic production:
- Over 200 Turkish supplier companies involved
- Domestic contribution rate: Above 70%
- Steel used: 1,500 tons
- Cables laid: 350 km
- Labor invested: 2 million man-hours
