Turkey's Largest Aircraft Carrier, MUGEM, Under Construction for 2032 Delivery

Turkey is advancing its naval capabilities with the construction of the MUGEM, set to become the largest aircraft carrier ever built by the nation. The vessel, slated for delivery to the Turkish Navy in 2032, is designed for comprehensive operations across air, surface, and underwater domains.

Naval sources confirm that construction is actively progressing at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, with steel blocks already being assembled. This marks a tangible shift from conceptualization to physical realization for the ambitious project. The MUGEM is engineered to be a formidable platform, boasting a length of 285 meters and a displacement of approximately 60,000 tons.

With a projected top speed exceeding 26 knots and a range of 10,000 nautical miles, the carrier will accommodate up to 2,500 personnel, a significant increase from earlier estimates. Its air wing will comprise 52 aircraft, including Turkey's own Hürjet naval variant, Kızılelma combat drones, and Anka-3 stealth UCAVs. These aircraft will operate using the STOBAR system from a 12-degree ski-jump ramp, underscoring the growing role of Turkey's domestic defense industry in its military modernization.

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MUGEM will be the largest aircraft carrier ever built by Turkey. Construction is underway.