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Turkish Navy expands infrastructure for future operations

By Cem Devrim Yaylali |

Concept graphic of future Turkish naval infrastructure, seen in the January 2025 issue of the Turkish Navy's magazine. (Turkish Naval Magazine)

The Turkish Navy is undergoing a comprehensive transformation to support its increasing operational tempo and address critical infrastructure needs.

According to information shared by the Turkish Navy, the most significant ongoing project is the construction of new piers, jetties, and other coastal facilities at Aksaz Naval Base. These upgrades aim to accommodate the TCG Anadolu landing helicopter dock (LHD), Pirireis-class submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP), and other naval assets. The project has an estimated cost of EUR350 million (USD364 million), with the Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MND) set to initiate the tender process once financing is secured.

Rear Admiral (LH)Tayfun Öznel, head of the Engineering Department at the Logistics Directorate, Turkish Naval Forces Command, told the Turkish Navy's magazine that the navy is leveraging NATO capability development funds alongside national resources to implement various projects. Currently, projects valued at approximately EUR360 million are under way in the Maritime Capability Program Plan, including six projects worth EUR290 million that were approved during the plan's initial update. These include the extension of Pier No 1 and the construction of five additional piers at Aksaz Naval Base, a breakwater at Ağalar in the Mediterranean, additional mooring facilities at Karadeniz Ereğli in the Black Sea, the extension of Pier No 3 at Gölcük, and the reconstruction of the eastern quay at Erdek.

Other projects under the Maritime Capability Program Plan include acquiring a new medium-sized floating dock, overhauling the existing dock at Gölcük, upgrading the Dilburnu degaussing station with a magnetic damping facility, and modernising weapon and sensor measurement infrastructure at Gölcük.

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