Turkish firm begins construction of its first indigenous Air Defense Destroyer TF-2000.

According to information published by ASFAT on September 20, 2024, Turkey has officially launched the construction of its first domestically designed and produced air defense destroyer, the TF-2000.
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Artist rendering of the Turkish air defense destroyer TF-2000. (Picture source: ASFAT)

The destroyer, designed by the Turkish Navy’s Design Project Office and spearheaded by ASFAT, is being constructed at Istanbul Naval Shipyard, a historic facility known for its advanced capabilities in shipbuilding.

The TF-2000 will serve as a key platform for regional air defense, with advanced sensor systems, including the ASELSAN-designed phased array radar system (ÇAFRAD), which will provide surveillance over a 300 km radius. This warship will be outfitted with powerful weaponry, including the Siper and Hisar air defense missiles, and Atmaca anti-ship missiles. Additionally, the ship will be equipped with the Gezgin cruise missile, designed for long-range offensive operations.

With a length of 149 meters and a displacement of 8,300 tons, the TF-2000 can reach speeds of over 26 knots. Its 96-cell vertical launch system (MİDLAS) significantly enhances its firepower. The vessel also features robust anti-submarine capabilities, with sonar systems and torpedo defense integrated into its design.

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Turkey’s emphasis on developing advanced naval air defense capabilities is driven by several intertwined factors. The nation’s strategic location, with vital maritime interests in the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas, places it in a region often marked by geopolitical tensions and security challenges. These waters, adjacent to conflict zones and contested regions, expose Turkish naval forces to various aerial threats, including missile and drone attacks. As a result, ensuring the protection of naval assets is essential for safeguarding sea lines of communication and maintaining maritime dominance.

Additionally, Turkey's broader defense strategy has increasingly focused on self-reliance, spurred by external constraints. Restrictions on purchasing systems such as the U.S. Patriot and the fallout from the acquisition of Russia’s S-400 air defense system underscored the vulnerability of relying on foreign suppliers. In response, Turkey has accelerated its efforts to domestically produce cutting-edge defense technology, like the SIPER air defense system, to assert its sovereignty in defense matters.

The need for these advancements also reflects a gap in Turkey's naval capabilities. Until now, the Turkish fleet lacked dedicated air defense vessels capable of protecting against high-speed, long-range missile threats.