TCG Izmir Frigate Begins Sea Trials
Turkey's second I-class frigate, TCG Izmir, has begun sea trials. The Anadolu Shipyard-built vessel features an enlarged vertical launch system.
Turkey's second I-class frigate, the future TCG Izmir (F-516), has begun its first Sea Acceptance Trials. According to builder Anadolu Shipyard, the vessel departed for these initial sea trials on August 10, 2026.
The commencement of SAT marks a critical phase where the vessel transitions from harbour tests to dynamic trials at sea. During this period, the ship's propulsion, seaworthiness, navigation equipment, sensors, and indigenous combat systems will be evaluated. Anadolu Shipyard noted the frigate has achieved a domestic systems rate exceeding 80 percent. TCG Izmir is the sixth vessel built under Turkey's MILGEM (National Ship) programme and the second of four initial I-class frigates ordered for the Turkish Naval Forces.
I-class VLS Configuration Difference
Photographs from the sea trials reveal a notable structural difference in the forward vertical launch system compartment compared to the lead ship, TCG Istanbul.
While TCG Istanbul is fitted with a 16-cell tactical-length indigenous MIDLAS VLS configured primarily for the HİSAR-D RF surface-to-air missile family, the VLS section on TCG Izmir appears visibly larger and deeper. This modification is consistent with the strike-length configuration of the MIDLAS system. TCG Izmir retains a 16-cell count.
A strike-length VLS will provide the necessary volume to accommodate longer and larger missiles. This includes extended-range air defense interceptors such as the SİPER family, as well as vertically launched land-attack cruise missiles like GEZGİN or vertically launched ATMACA anti-ship missiles. Neither the shipyard nor the Defence Industry Agency (SSB) has yet released technical dimensions or officially confirmed the initial missile loadout for the enlarged installation.
I-class Frigate Specifications
The I-class Frigate Program was launched to replace the aging YAVUZ-class (MEKO 200 Track I) frigates in Turkish Navy service. Developed under the MILGEM programme, the I-class represents an enlarged evolution of the Ada-class anti-submarine corvette design. It features a 50 percent increase in fuel capacity and extended operational endurance. The frigates are designed to conduct multi-role missions, including surface warfare, anti-air warfare, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) protection.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length Overall | 113.2 meters |
| Beam | 14.4 meters |
| Draught | 4.05 meters |
| Displacement | 3,000 tons |
| Maximum Speed | 29+ knots |
| Cruise Speed / Range | 14 knots / 5,700 nautical miles |
| Main Propulsion | CODAG (2x diesel engines + 1x LM2500 gas turbine) |
| Combat Management System | HAVELSAN ADVENT |
| Sensor Suite | ASELSAN CENK-S 3D AESA radar, ALPER-P LPI radar, 2x AKR-D fire control radars, AHTAPOT electro-optical system, PİRİ IRST, FERSAH sonar, HIZIR torpedo countermeasures |
| Armament | 16-cell MIDLAS VLS, 16 ATMACA anti-ship missiles, 1x 76 mm naval gun, 1x 35 mm GÖKDENİZ CIWS, 2x 25 mm STOP remote weapon stations, 2×3 lightweight torpedo tubes |
The remaining three sister ships are being built concurrently by private shipyards under a partnership between STM and the TAIS consortium.
