The ninth ship of Türkiye’s National Ship (MİLGEM) Project, the İstif-class frigate TCG Akdeniz (F-519), was launched on Monday, February 2, 2026, during a ceremony held at Anadolu Shipyard. The event was attended by senior officials from the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB).
The launch marks another milestone in Türkiye’s ongoing effort to strengthen its naval capabilities through indigenous shipbuilding.
Simultaneous Construction Under the MİLGEM Program
Under the supply contract signed between the TAIS Shipyards consortium, STM, and the SSB, construction and outfitting activities for multiple İstif-class frigates are proceeding according to schedule.
At Anadolu Shipyard, the construction and outfitting of the 6th, 9th, and 12th ships of the İstif class are being carried out simultaneously. The program is intended to enhance the deterrence and operational reach of the Turkish Naval Forces while sustaining the domestic naval industry’s production tempo.
Export Dimension: Qatar–Indonesia Line
On the export front, TAIS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Barzan Holding, the investment arm of the Qatari Ministry of Defense, during DIMDEX 2026 in Doha.
The agreement reportedly covers the construction of two İstif-class frigates for the Indonesian Armed Forces, with the total project value estimated at approximately $1 billion, according to information obtained at the exhibition.
Sources indicate that the two frigates were originally planned to enter service with the Turkish Navy under the names TCG İzmir and TCG İçel, before being included in the export program. However, official confirmation regarding the final configuration and transfer status has not yet been issued.
İstif-Class Frigates: Current Status
In Service
- TCG İstanbul (F-515) – İstanbul Shipyard Command; entered service in January 2024.
Under Construction or Sea Trials
- TCG İzmir (F-516) – Anadolu Shipyard; sea trials ongoing (2026). Some reports suggest a possible sale to Indonesia, though official sources have not confirmed the final status.
- TCG İzmit (F-517) – Sedef Shipyard; launched (2027). Similar export-related claims remain unverified.
- TCG İçel (F-518) – Sefine Shipyard; launched (2027).
- TCG Akdeniz (F-519) – Anadolu Shipyard; launched (2026).
- TCG Karadeniz (F-520) – Sedef Shipyard; under construction (planned 2028).
- TCG Ege (F-521) – Sefine Shipyard; under construction (planned 2029).
- TCG Marmara (F-522) – Anadolu Shipyard; under construction (planned 2029).
