Turkish shipyards launch second and third Istanbul-class frigates

Turkish Istanbul-class frigate TCG İzmit (F 517) seen at Sedef Shipyard at launch on 11 January 2025. (TAIS Shipyards)

TAIS Shipyards partners Anadolu and Sedef shipyards launched the second and third frigates of the Turkish Navy's Istanbul (TF-100) class on 11 January, according to an announcement made the next day.

The two frigates, also known as MILGEM II or I/Istif-class, are TCG İzmir (F 516) and TCG İzmit (F 517). They were preceded by first-of-class TCG İstanbul (F 515), whichwas launched in January 2021 and began sea trials in June 2023. They are to be followed by TCG İçel (F 518), which Haluk Görgün, the secretary of Turkish Defence Industries (SBB) that has been co-ordinating the project, said is scheduled for launch in the third quarter of 2025. All three follow-on vessels are expected to be in service in 2026.

On 5 January the Turkish government gave the green light for the building of four additional Istanbul-class frigates, which will eventually bring the total to eight. The Istanbul class has a displacement of 2,955 tons, a length of 113 m, and a beam of 14.4 m.

The frigates are being built for the Turkish Navy by a joint venture between TAIS Shipyards and the Turkish defence manufacturer STM. They will now begin outfitting in dry dock, said construction partner STM on 11 January.