TCG Anadolu (aircraft carrier)

2023: Entry into service with the Turkish Navy

On April 10, 2023, Turkey adopted the world's first universal landing ship Anadolu (TCG Anadolu), which can be used as a light aircraft carrier, into its navy.

According to the Anadolu Agency resource, the vessel is designed to transport 94 pieces of equipment, including 13 tanks, 27 amphibians and six armored personnel carriers. The deck can accommodate 10 helicopters and 11 attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The hangar is designed for 19 more helicopters and 30 drones. The ship can also carry four boats.

The world's first aircraft carrier for combat drones entered service with the Turkish Navy

"Anadolu" has a length of 231 meters, a width of about 32 meters and a height of 58 meters. The speed reaches 21 knots. The ship is equipped with a hospital and two operating rooms. Its maximum displacement is 27,000 tons. The ship has combat control systems, electronic warfare, navigation, anti-torpedo defense and other advanced systems.

Turkish President Recep Erdogan participated in the acceptance ceremony of the new warship. According to him, the country's defense complex has made a breakthrough, which can be called a "technological revolution." Erdogan stressed that the inclusion of the vessel in the Turkish Navy is an example of an import substitution program in the field of military technology, launched back in 2004. In particular, the ship uses Turkish technologies and developments by 70%. It is noted that the ship can transport at least one battalion of Turkish armed forces personnel to a potentially conflict zone.

20 years ago, when we first came to power, Turkey's defense project budget was $5.5 billion, while now we are talking about a figure of more than $60 billion. The volume of defense exports reached a record $4.4 billion. The level of import substitution in the defense sector is at all at a loss of 80%. All these are indicators of the success of modern Turkey, - said the president of the republic.[1]

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