Analysis: Large Surface Combatant Naval Platforms of Turkish Industry

The Turkish defence industry offers high-technology and cost-efficient solutions in compliance with NATO standards to navies in the world, notably the Turkish Naval Forces, in need of various types of sea platforms. The industry has a vast product portfolio including not only warships, auxiliary ships, boats, submarines but also unmanned sea systems and gun turrets. In addition to main platforms, the Turkish defence industry is also a solution partner for weapons, ASW and subsystems. Hereunder, Navy Recognition editorial team focused on Large Surface Combatant Ships.

Large Surface Combatant Ships (Picture source: Army Recognition)

CORVETTE 1600 (RMK Marine):

Main functions of the Corvette class ship are to provide a real-time tactical picture via surveillance, patrolling and reconnaissance functions to maintain control at seas through destruction and/or neutralization of enemy targets at surface, underwater and air. Secondary functions of the Corvette are execution of naval-air operations, electronic and acoustic warfare, search and rescue operations, protection against asymmetrical threats, intelligence gathering, protection of sea trade traffic, supporting amphibious operations and training. The Corvette designed by RMK Marine has various combinations of those capabilities along with different propulsion systems.

CORVETTE 1600 by RMK Marine (Picture source: SSB)

MİLGEM (STM Aselsan, Havelsan & Istanbul Naval Shipyard):

Surface platform capabilities of all local shipyards were examined as part of the project to meet the requirement of the Turkish Naval Forces for a modern warship and the construction of a corvette for the Turkish Navy in 2004. Following this decision, MilGem Project Office was established for a modern ship which requires many technological capabilities and the design process began. The hull of the first MilGem platform, which is a fully integrated system like all warships, was constructed by the İstanbul Naval Shipyard Command.

Electronic, gun and propulsion systems which make the platform a modern weapon system were nationalised through the joint efforts of ASELSAN, Havelsan and STM. The first Ada-class corvette TCG Heybeliada (F 511) was launched in 2008. More than 20 Turkish companies contributed to the ship with their special designs. These ships are fitted with the most modern technologies in the world with significant help from important public R&D institutions such as ARMERKOM and TÜBİTAK. The corvette has a reduced RCS, as well as acoustic and IR signatures, and remarkable survivability. The MILGEM has accelerated the development of the Turkish Defence Industry in the areas of sea platform design, construction and technological capabilities. The experience and know-how are open to all allied countries and provide directions for warship design and construction in all sizes.

MİLGEM by STM Aselsan, Havelsan & Istanbul Naval Shipyard (Picture source: SSB)

MMC CORVETTE (RMK Marines):

Multi-Mission Corvette (MMC) designed by RMK MARINE is capable of achieving surface warfare, air warfare, shore bombardment in addition to surveillance / reconnaisance/ patrolling operations, anti-smuggling, protection of maritime resources and law enforcement within the territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ). MMC, with its RHIB built-in its specially designed stern-ramp, offers Special Forces the capability to rapidly deploy for the operations. MMC can perform vertical replenishment and helicopter operations (the helicopter has a maximum weight of 10 tons) with its Helo Deck.

MMC CORVETTE by RMK Marines (Picture source: SSB)

OFFSHORE PATROL SHIP 76 (Dearsan Shipyard):

The OPV 76 was designed to operate on various missions mainly anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, naval gunfire support, asymmetric warfare and anti-piracy. The hull is built from AH 36 steel and the superstructure is from Sealium. The ship is 78.6 metres long and 11 metres wide. The draft is 2.9 metres and the displacement is about 1,200 tons. The ship’s maximum speed is 26 knots and the range at economic speed is 3,000 NM. The OPV 76 is operated by a crew of 46. The platform can be fitted with air and surface surveillance radar, IFF system, electronic support system and CHAFF/ DECOY system. Weapon options include 1 x 76 mm Leonardo Super Rapid gun, 1 x 40 mm Leonardo gun, 2 x 12.7 mm stabilised automatic machine gun, 2 x 12.7 mm manual machine gun and 2 x 2 SAM air-defence missile system SIMBAD RC (MBDA).

OFFSHORE PATROL SHIP (OPV 76) by Dearsan (Picture source: SSB)

CG SAR (RMK Marine):

The Coast Guard Search and Rescue (CGSAR) Vessels have been designed to perform SAR, patrolling, anti-smuggling, reconnaissance, surveillance, anti-air pollution and external firefighting missions within the territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The vessels are equipped with visual landing aids for day and night landing/take-off operations for up to 10-ton helicopters. CG SAR has a telescopic hangar for the AB-412 helicopter and are equipped with floating barriers for oil spill containment and capable for JP- 5, fuel, freshwater and lubricating oil replenishment stations (RAS) and vertical replenishment at sea.

CG SAR by RMK Marine (Picture source: SSB)

CORVETTE C 92 (Dearsan Shipyard):

Corvette (C 92) was developed to operate on different missions, mainly anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and patrol/escort. It is suitable for helicopter operations. The hull is built from AH 36 while the superstructure is built from Marine Al alloy. The ship is 91.4 metres, the beam is 13.3 metres and the draft is 3.5 metres. The platform’s displacement is roughly 1,600 tons. The maximum speed is 26 knots and the range at economic speed is 3,000 NM. The C 92 can be operated by a crew of 100. The sensors include combat management system, 3D air and surface surveillance radar, IFF system, ESM, electronic countermeasure and CHAFF/DECOY systems. The ship can be fitted with different weapon systems notably Leonardo Super Rapid gun, twin-barrel 1x35mm Korkut point-defence system, 2x8 VL MICA VLS.

CORVETTE (C 92)by Dearsan Shipyard (Picture source: SSB)