Turkish company Aselsan completes world’s most extensive MEKO-class frigate upgrade on TCG Oruçreis.

On April 9, 2025, the Turkish company Aselsan completed the temporary acceptance of the Barbaros-class frigates mid-life upgrade (Barbaros-MLU) project, which is described as the world’s most comprehensive modernization of a MEKO-class frigate. The project, launched by the Turkish Presidency of Defence Industries, aims to improve the operational capabilities of the Barbaros-class frigates, which play an important role in the Turkish Naval Forces' defense strategy. Aselsan, acting as the main contractor, modernized 21 systems onboard the frigate TCG Oruçreis using advanced, indigenous solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Turkish Navy.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The modernization covered a wide range of subsystems, including radar, electronic warfare, integrated combat, satellite communication, electro-optic, weapon and fire control, underwater, and navigation support systems. (Picture source: Aselsan)

The modernization covered a wide range of subsystems, including radar, electronic warfare, integrated combat, satellite communication, electro-optic, weapon and fire control, underwater, and navigation support systems. These upgrades were designed to enhance the operational capabilities of TCG Oruçreis across multiple domains. In parallel with system integration, Aselsan carried out main mast modifications and various redesign activities both above and below deck. The company also conducted a series of analyses related to marine stability, HVAC systems, power distribution, and electromagnetic compatibility to support the technical integration of the new systems.

Among the new systems integrated onboard TCG Oruçreis are the Akrep fire control radar and the Cenk 3D surveillance radar. In the electronic warfare domain, the ship now includes the ARES NEWS central management system, the AREAS electronic countermeasure system, the ARES electronic support system, and the Kartaca-N chaff/decoy launching system. The upgraded communication suite features the GEMS integrated naval communication system, the TUMSIS X-band satellite communication system, and the IdentIFF Mode 5 identification friend or foe system.

Electro-optic enhancements include the LIAS laser warning receiver system, the PİRİ infrared search and track system, and the MARTI electro-optical reconnaissance and surveillance system. Weapon systems installed as part of the upgrade are the SMASH remote-controlled stabilized gun system and the Gökdeniz close-in weapon system (CIWS). The fire control suite includes the Atmaca fire control system and the TAKS gun fire control system. For underwater operations, TCG Oruçreis is now equipped with the Fersah hull-mounted ASW sonar and the Hızır torpedo countermeasure system. Navigation capabilities were improved through the installation of the MİTOS WECDIS, Kulaç echo sounder system, and the ANS inertial navigation system.

Aselsan President and CEO Ahmet Akyol stated that the company has completed the modernization of 21 systems on TCG Oruçreis as part of what is referred to as the world’s most comprehensive MEKO-class frigate modernization. He added that the experience gained from this project enables Aselsan to address naval system requirements for both Türkiye and allied countries.

Aselsan, acting as the main contractor, modernized 21 systems onboard the frigate TCG Oruçreis using advanced, indigenous solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Turkish Navy. (Picture source: Aselsan)

The Barbaros-class frigates were developed for the Turkish Navy within the German MEKO 200 modular warship design framework, specifically using the MEKO 200 TN Track II configuration. These ships were introduced as successors to the Yavuz-class and as precursors to the Istanbul-class. TCG Barbaros (F-244) and TCG Salihreis (F-246) were built by Blohm + Voss in Hamburg, while TCG Oruçreis (F-245) and TCG Kemalreis (F-247) were constructed at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard in Türkiye with German assistance. All four ships were commissioned between 1997 and 2000 and remain in active duty. Compared to the Yavuz-class, they have a larger displacement and employ a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion system rather than a diesel-only configuration, enabling higher maximum speeds and enhanced operational versatility. The class was developed to enable modular upgrades over time, with increased hull size to support additional systems.

The Turkish Navy has categorized the class into two variants: the Barbaros subclass (MEKO 200 TN Track II-A), comprising TCG Barbaros and TCG Oruçreis, and the Salih Reis subclass (MEKO 200 TN Track II-B), comprising TCG Salihreis and TCG Kemalreis. The Salih Reis subclass is slightly longer at 118 meters and was built with an 8-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS) and provisions for an additional 8-cell module. In contrast, the Barbaros subclass was originally fitted with Mk 29 Sea Sparrow launchers, with the Mk 41 VLS modules planned as upgrades. A mid-life upgrade (MLU) contract was signed on April 3, 2018, between the Turkish Presidency of Defence Industries and the Aselsan–Havelsan Joint Venture. The upgrade scope includes new combat management software, sensors, radars, electronic warfare systems, and an integrated mast. All four frigates are undergoing this upgrade, which is scheduled for completion by 2025.

The TACTICOS combat management system is being replaced with Havelsan’s Advent CMS. Radar systems AWS-9 and DA-08 are being replaced by Aselsan’s MAR-D AESA radar and the Thales SMART-S Mk2 3D radar. Fire control is being modernized with Aselsan Akrep AKR-D dual-band radars. The air defense capability is being enhanced by installing Mk 41 VLS modules. The original Sea Zenith close-in weapon system (CIWS) is being replaced with a combination of one Phalanx Mk 15 Block 1B Baseline 2 system and one Aselsan 35 mm Gökdeniz system. Two Aselsan STOP 25 mm remote-controlled weapon systems are being installed. The number of anti-ship missiles is being increased from eight Harpoon missiles in 4×2 configuration to sixteen Atmaca missiles in 4×4 configuration.

The Turkish Navy has categorized the class into two variants: the Barbaros subclass (MEKO 200 TN Track II-A), comprising TCG Barbaros and TCG Oruçreis, and the Salih Reis subclass (MEKO 200 TN Track II-B), comprising TCG Salihreis and TCG Kemalreis. (Picture source: Turkish MoD)

Additional upgrades include Alper LPI navigation radar, Aselsan Piri-KATS infrared search and tracking (IRST), Kırlangıç electro-optical director, and G-LIS laser warning system. Subsurface systems include Aselsan Hızır torpedo countermeasures, Aselsan V-UHF and HF antennas, Martı 200-N reconnaissance system, Armelsan Fersah hull-mounted sonar, and ARAS-2023 diver detection sonar. The existing Racal electronic warfare suite is being replaced by Aselsan Ares-2N(V)2 electronic support measures and Areas-2NC electronic attack systems. Each vessel is expected to increase in displacement by approximately 200 tons following the upgrades.

Modernization activities began with TCG Oruçreis in January 2022. As of November 2023, system installation had been completed, and the ship was conducting control deployments in the Sea of Marmara, with sea trials scheduled to follow. TCG Barbaros, TCG Salihreis, and TCG Kemalreis are undergoing the same modernization in phases, planned to conclude by 2025.

The Barbaros-class consists of four ships currently in active service. TCG Barbaros (F-244) was launched by Blohm + Voss on 29 September 1993 and commissioned on 23 May 1997. TCG Oruçreis (F-245) was launched on 28 July 1994 at Gölcük Naval Shipyard and commissioned on the same date as TCG Barbaros. TCG Salihreis (F-246) was launched on 26 September 1997 by Blohm + Voss and commissioned on 22 July 1998. TCG Kemalreis (F-247) was launched at Gölcük on 22 July 1998 and entered service on 8 June 2000. The Salih Reis subclass features 16 Mk 41 VLS cells following modernization. The Barbaros subclass is being upgraded to reach an equivalent configuration. All ships are equipped with a hangar and flight deck supporting one S-70B Seahawk or AB 212 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter. The primary armament includes one 127 mm Mk45 naval gun, two Mk 141 quad launchers for anti-ship missiles (Harpoon or Atmaca), CIWS, and Mark 32 torpedo launchers.

Launched at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard on 28 July 1994 and commissioned on 23 May 1997, the TCG Oruçreis frigate is named after Oruç Reis, an Ottoman naval commander active in the early 16th century. (Picture source: Turkish MoD)

TCG Oruçreis (F-245) is the second ship of the class and part of the Barbaros subclass (Track II-A). It was launched at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard on 28 July 1994 and commissioned on 23 May 1997. The ship is named after Oruç Reis, an Ottoman naval commander active in the early 16th century. In 2014, the vessel took part in a deployment to Lagos, Nigeria, as part of the “Barbaros Turkish Navy Task Group,” alongside TCG Gediz, TCG Heybeliada, and TCG Yarbay Kudret Güngör. During this mission, the Turkish Navy conducted training with Nigerian naval and coast guard personnel in areas such as counter-piracy, explosive ordnance handling, and shipboard procedures.

TCG Oruçreis measures 118 meters in length, has a beam of 14.8 meters, and a draught of 4.3 meters. The full-load displacement is 3,380 tons. The propulsion system uses a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) configuration, consisting of two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines and two MTU diesel engines, driving two controllable-pitch propellers. The vessel supports operations of a single ASW helicopter—either an S-70B Seahawk or AB 212—and includes a hangar and helicopter platform. The standard crew complement consists of 21 officers, 92 petty officers, 11 specialized sergeants, and 46 enlisted personnel. Following the mid-life upgrade, the ship includes a new stealth mast structure that houses updated radar and sensor systems.

The propulsion system delivers 60,000 hp from gas turbines and 13,060 hp (9,740 kW) from diesel engines. Maximum speeds are 32 knots using gas turbines and 22 knots on diesel engines. Cruising speed is 16.7 knots, and operational range is 4,100 nautical miles at 18 knots. The ship is equipped with a 127 mm/54 caliber Mk45 Mod 2 naval gun, two Mk 141 quad launchers capable of carrying eight RGM-84 Harpoon or sixteen Atmaca anti-ship missiles, and one Mk 41 Mod 8 VLS capable of accommodating up to 64 RIM-162 ESSM Block 1 surface-to-air missiles in quad-pack configuration. CIWS includes one Phalanx Mk 15 Block 1B Baseline 2 system and one Aselsan Gökdeniz 35 mm system. Two Aselsan STOP 25 mm remote-controlled weapon stations are installed. The radar and sensor suite comprises Decca 2040 BT, AWS-9, HSA DA-08, HSA STIR-24, HSA STIR-18, Aselsan MAR-D AESA radar, Aselsan Akrep AKR-D fire control radar, Alper LPI navigation radar, and Aselsan Fersah sonar. Electronic warfare systems include Aselsan Ares-2N(V)2 electronic support and Areas-2NC electronic attack systems. Additional equipment includes Aselsan Hızır torpedo defense, Aselsan Piri-KATS IRST, Kırlangıç electro-optical director, G-LIS laser warning system, and Armelsan ARAS-2023 diver detection sonar. As of November 2023, all modernization components had been installed with the exception of the forward-mounted Gökdeniz CIWS.