Israel's Nightmare
Erdogan Announces Launch of Full-Size Aircraft Carrier Construction
While the announcement demonstrates Erdogan's vision of Turkey as a regional powerhouse, full operational capability remains years away.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that construction has begun on a new 300-meter-long aircraft carrier, described as the "elder brother" of the existing TCG Anadolu, marking a significant escalation in Turkey's naval ambitions and raising strategic concerns in Israel.
Speaking at a ceremony commissioning new naval platforms and cutting the first steel at the Istanbul Shipyard, Erdogan highlighted the project as part of Turkey's drive to enhance its maritime capabilities and global standing. "We have launched the construction processes of our 300-meter-long aircraft carrier," he said, positioning it as a major upgrade over the TCG Anadolu, Turkey's current flagship, a 231-meter amphibious assault ship primarily designed for helicopters and drones.
The new vessel, part of the MUGEM (National Aircraft Carrier) project, is projected to displace around 60,000 tons and feature capabilities for fixed-wing aircraft and advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), such as the Kizilelma and Hürjet. Construction began earlier in 2025, with launch expected around 2027–2028 and commissioning before 2030.
For Israel, the development represents a potential shift in the Eastern Mediterranean power balance. A full-size Turkish carrier with independent air projection could complicate naval operations, intensify existing tensions over energy resources and maritime boundaries, and add complexity to Israel's security planning amid ongoing regional rivalries.
Experts note that building an aircraft carrier is a lengthy, costly, and technically challenging endeavor, requiring years of development, infrastructure, crew training, and compatible aircraft.
No official Israeli response has been issued yet.