Turkish navy

[Sandhi Yudha]

The Ufuk A-591 looks like a normal Ada-class multipurpose corvette, but besides for testing and training needs, it will be also used for signal and electronic intelligence missions of the Turkish Naval Forces. Ufuk, designed using the hull form of MILGEM Ada Class Corvette, can sail for 45 days without interruption.

Turkish Navy Commissions Intelligence Ship “TCG UFUK” - Naval News

Turkey’s newest intelligence ship, TCG UFUK (means Horizon in English), entered the service for the Turkish Navy last week.

www.navalnews.com

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Turkey plans to put the amphibious landing platform dock (LPD) Anadolu L-400 into service in early 2022. Thats around 6 years after construction started. Not bad for a first of class, comparable with the Canberra L02.

Turkey set to deliver LPD Anadolu early next year to original design

Turkey plans to put the amphibious landing platform dock (LPD) Anadolu into service in early 2022 without further modifications, İsmail Demir, head of Turkey's...

www.janes.com

 

[Ananda]

Image of Turkish LHD Anadolu in finalisation process. Image from online sources, seems it is doing drill on evacuation.

Will Turkey modify its future LHD to Carry More UAVs? - Naval News

At SSB's recent video about 2022 agenda released on January 31, Turkey's future LHD Anadolu appear to be modified to employ more UAVs.

www.navalnews.com

This Naval News article talk more on Turkish intentions to operate UAV/UCAV from their LHD. Seems it's the strategy they are going to take, as initial plan for F-35B is getting further away to be realise.

I do wonder if China plan for VTOL fighter operating from PLAN own LHD coming to fruition, will Turkey goes with that ? Just interesting tought at least for me.



That J-18 just a speculation from now. However already put interest from many defense online media on potential as alternative for markets that have ambition to build their own light carriers, however can not afford or barred on getting F-35B.

Still so far UCAV like this Akinci seems provide enough weapons portfolio.

 

[Meriv90]

But it isn't the Akinci that will operate from the LHD

The ones in the CG are

Bayraktar TB2 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

That have a payload of 150kg.

And they are developing if they are able to bring it to a success, a jet one.

But until then the whole wing (30-40?) of drones from the Anadolu will bring as much payload as a single AW101.

At that point way better to use normal Heli like everyone else. Way better use the T129 and other utility ones.

 

[swerve]

A group of drones of that class would be able to provide cover for much longer than helicopters & they're far more expendable.

 

[Ananda]

Turkish media and Internet forum talking about Bayraktar TB3 a larger variant from TB2 that's going to be operated from Anadolu LHD. However they also talk on Akinci Naval Version (with folded wing) to be develop.

https://ahvalnews.com/turkish-drones/how-can-drones-operate-turkeys-upcoming-anadolu-flagship

In sense Turkey wants to develop their current range of UAV/UCAV to be operated from their LHD, as alternative routes after they got kick off from F-35 program. At least that their syrategic ambition now for LHD operation seems to be.

 

[Meriv90]

Just in case this is no way the Fox and the Grapes, the drones did an amazing job both in Armenia and Libya.

But first i want to see an Akinci in real life taking off from an LHD

Lets compare it to a modern and smaller Mojave drone.

It is able to take off of austere runways as little as 152 m (500 ft) in length.[6] In a surveillance mode it can take off from a 300 m (1,000 ft) runway and stay aloft for over 20 hours, and it can perform armed ISR from a 488 m (1,600 ft) runway carrying 12 Hellfire missiles for nine hours. At maximum, the Mojave can fly for 27 hours when taking off on a long runway with no payload and a full fuel load, or carry a 1,600 kg (3,600 lb) payload totaling 16 Hellfire missiles.[7][8] The STOL capabilities of the Mojave have further lead to the proposition of it being used as a carrier aircraft for naval operations.[1]

Yes it can take off from just 150 but empty handed for what I understand.

A group of drones of that class would be able to provide cover for much longer than helicopters & they're far more expendable.

Yes but against what?

Against irregular forces, because military navy ships are dense in sensors, it wouldn't be open field Armenia against unaware enemies.

And at 6mln the piece, the financial war is in favor of who takes down with an AA missile even expensive ones.

I think it is better to use the Anadolu as everyone else is using their LHDs.

And at the same time since Turkey is so strong in the drone area to build a Drone carrier, smaller, cheaper, more proportional to the task and not a 1bln ship for 200-300mln of Drones worth on it.

P.s. I wish Italy had the same push for drones. We were doing the P.2 Hammerhead but we dropped it

Spoiler

 

[LegionnairE]

Just in case this is no way the Fox and the Grapes, the drones did an amazing job both in Armenia and Libya.

But first i want to see an Akinci in real life taking off from an LHD

Lets compare it to a modern and smaller Mojave drone.



Yes it can take off from just 150 but empty handed for what I understand.



Yes but against what?

Against irregular forces, because military navy ships are dense in sensors, it wouldn't be open field Armenia against unaware enemies.

And at 6mln the piece, the financial war is in favor of who takes down with an AA missile even expensive ones.

I think it is better to use the Anadolu as everyone else is using their LHDs.

And at the same time since Turkey is so strong in the drone area to build a Drone carrier, smaller, cheaper, more proportional to the task and not a 1bln ship for 200-300mln of Drones worth on it.

P.s. I wish Italy had the same push for drones. We were doing the P.2 Hammerhead but we dropped it

Spoiler

To be useful in naval warfare, any UAV taking off from TCG Anadolu needs to be able to carry the Çakır missile (a special purpose air launched AShM) TB2 can't carry it, it's too heavy and time will tell if Akıncı or Kızıl Elma can take off from this ship. Without a catapult system, it's going to be difficult.

Following video should explain why this missile is so important.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

To be useful in naval warfare, any UAV taking off from TCG Anadolu needs to be able to carry the Çakır missile (a special purpose air launched AShM) TB2 can't carry it, it's too heavy and time will tell if Akıncı or Kızıl Elma can take off from this ship. Without a catapult system, it's going to be difficult.

Following video should explain why this missile is so important.

So this Çakir is an anti-radiation missile, land-attack missile and sea-skimming anti-ship missile (all in one multi-purpose surface target missile) but still light and small enough to be carried by helicopters and UAVs? That's quite incredible.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Turkish media and Internet forum talking about Bayraktar TB3 a larger variant from TB2 that's going to be operated from Anadolu LHD. However they also talk on Akinci Naval Version (with folded wing) to be develop.

https://ahvalnews.com/turkish-drones/how-can-drones-operate-turkeys-upcoming-anadolu-flagship

In sense Turkey wants to develop their current range of UAV/UCAV to be operated from their LHD, as alternative routes after they got kick off from F-35 program. At least that their syrategic ambition now for LHD operation seems to be.

The Chief Technology Officer of Baykar Technologies shared two days ago on 26 March the photos of the TB-3 Bayraktar unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) for the first time. Bayraktar TB-3 is the shipborne and more capable version of the famous TB-2 drone. Baykar has been developing TB-3 to operate it onboard Turkish Navy’s flagship TCG Anadolu.
Here the link to his Twitter account with the photos.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1640167857089568770

The TCG Anadolu LHD was btw silently delivered to the Turkish Navy in January 2023.

Turkish Navy accepts delivery of its flagship, TCG ANADOLU - Naval News

The Turkish Navy accepted delivery of its flagship, the landing helicopter dock (LHD) and drone carrier TCG Anadolu.

www.navalnews.com

 

[swerve]

So this Çakir is an anti-radiation missile, land-attack missile and sea-skimming anti-ship missile (all in one multi-purpose surface target missile) but still light and small enough to be carried by helicopters and UAVs? That's quite incredible.

Some UAVs are quite big, & a lot of sea-skimming anti-ship missiles are & have been carried by helicopters. Iraq used Exocet-carrying Super Frelons, for example.

And look at the NSM. Kongsberg will happily sell it to you for land, ship, & air launch, including helicopters & UAVs, for both ship & land targets. An anti-radiation version shouldn't be problem. So why not Çakir?

Roketsan says that without a booster it's about 275kg. Not too much for some UAVs, I think. It's less than NSM (400kg). Italy has the Marte ER (340 kg) on helicopters, as well as the earlier 310 kg Marte Mk 2/S, & there's a surface launched version. Capable of both maritime & land attack.

NSM – Naval Strike Missile – Missile Systems - KONGSBERG
"The Naval Strike Missile for helicopter and UAS application, NSM-AL, is a long range cruise missile for use against targets at sea and ashore"

Roketsan - ÇAKIR Cruise Missile

 

[Ananda]

Turkish Navy welcomes its new flagship, TCG ANADOLU - Naval News

On April 10, 2023, the Turkish Navy commissioned of its new flagship, the TCG Anadolu, with a ceremony at the Sedef Shipyard in Istanbul.

www.navalnews.com

Turkiye TCG Anadolu officially inducted into the Navy operationally. Put also Video on what Turkish envisage to be operating from that LHD. Especially UAV which they're seems hoping (TB3) but also their Turbofan Kizilelma UCAV.

Previously some concept of arrested cable already circulating, which shown how Anadolu being prepared to operate turbofan UCAV Kizilelma.

Here is how UAVs will be recovered aboard TCG Anadolu - Naval News

The Chief Technology Officer of Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar Technologies gave details on the takeoff and landing operations of BAYRAKTAR KIZILELMA (or MIUS), an unmanned fighter aircraft presently in development, aboard Turkey's planned landing helicopter dock (LHD) Anadolu.

www.navalnews.com

Shown Turkiye as already being kicked out from F-35 program, will find way to operate Air Combat wing from their LHD, even though it is now going to be drones fleet.

 

[koxinga]

Shown Turkiye as already being kicked out from F-35 program, will find way to operate Air Combat wing from their LHD, even though it is now going to be drones fleet.

The MUIS drone is powered by AI-25TLT engines for the prototypes and AI-322F for production versions. Not sure if there is enough thrust to launch this off TCG Anadolu.

 

[Ananda]

Not sure if there is enough thrust to launch this off TCG Anadolu.

They have to make navalised version of Kizilelma (MIUS) then what they have now, which is land base ones. Just like TB3 which is navalised version of TB2. That's why TB3 so far seems what they are quite sure already ready for deployment above Anadolu.

Also relying on Ukrainian engine is not a good move considering situation. God knows when Motor Sich will be (if ever) back with viable production line. It is rumours in Turkish forums that Tusas already got licensing agreement with Motor Sich, but so far it is still rumours.

So, I'm not sure that MIUS will be available in few years ahead for operating above Anadolu. More likely TB3. Besides it will need more modification on Anadolu and its sister to operate Kizilelma. Still at least so far it is where Turkish Navy ambition lies.

Note:

End game for Kizilelma engine is Tusas TF 10000, but not quite sure how the progress will be or it will enough for Navalised Kizilelma.

 

[Ananda]

Xavier report from IDEF 2023 in Istanbul, on Turkiye naval tech and product development.

Day 1 video shown:

Roketsan ATMACA SSM, which Turkiye also begin marketing to potential export market. Also shown other Roketsan SSM including smaller one that going to be on Missile Boats (as ATMACA more for Corvette and Frigate).

Also other products from Roketsan including Torpedoes and Hisar family SAM. Roketsan also developing MIDLAS VL Cell something that Turkiye done to reduce their dependency to either US Mk41 or Euro Sylver. Those are asside use by Turkish Navy also begin to markets for export.

STM Naval design firm, shown midget submarine design of 500 ton. Mostly for litoral water. Also threir 66m Missile FAC.

Day 2 video shown:

Anadolu LPH/Light Carrier with mostly Turkiye UAV and Helicopters. Something that Turkiye aim as they have difficulties getting VTOL Fighters (F-35B) which seems results now for they reconfigure their light carries as Drones and Helicopters carrier.

All in all showcasing Turkish indigenous naval sustems, weapons and design, in which Turkiye hope not only increases their independence on armaments and gaining on export markets. Especially as alternative toward those who wants NATO equivalent design, on more friendlier budgey.

 

[Ananda]

SINKEX: Turkiye's first indigenous heavyweight torpedo AKYA sinks target at live test - Naval News

On Dec. 27, 2023, the Turkish Navy successfully carried out the first live firing test of the AKYA HWT with a real warhead in the East Med.

www.navalnews.com

Naval News reporting Turkiye Navy first live test on indigenous AKYA heavy torpedo. The test conducting from one of their 209-1400 Submarine. Seems as end of year come Turkiye MIC try to show case some of their projects. Just like in the Aero sector, Turkiye Naval sector MIC do manage to shown rapid progress.

 

[swerve]

Anadolu LPH/Light Carrier with mostly Turkiye UAV and Helicopters. Something that Turkiye aim as they have difficulties getting VTOL Fighters (F-35B) which seems results now for they reconfigure their light carries as Drones and Helicopters carrier.

Shouldn't that be LHD? It has a dock.

 

[Ananda]

Shouldn't that be LHD? It has a dock.

Technically yes, but I just follow the Turkish Navy classification I read in their media or in the video. They call it now as Light Carrier or Drones/UAV carrier.

 

[swerve]

Thanks. Interesting.

They have to make navalised version of Kizilelma (MIUS) then what they have now, which is land base ones. Just like TB3 which is navalised version of TB2. That's why TB3 so far seems what they are quite sure already ready for deployment above Anadolu.

Also relying on Ukrainian engine is not a good move considering situation. God knows when Motor Sich will be (if ever) back with viable production line. It is rumours in Turkish forums that Tusas already got licensing agreement with Motor Sich, but so far it is still rumours....

Tusas getting technology from Motor Sich doesn't need Motor Sich to have a viable production line.

 

[Redlands18]

Turkish Government green lights second aircraft carrier and 4 additional I-class frigates - Naval News
The Turkish government has announced plans to initiate a design phase for an aircraft carrier, get the feeling this could be for a true carrier as against a modified LHD. Navantia has done some work on a design based on the JC1 without the dock and with a much smaller island, hoping the Spanish navy would finally be able to eventually afford a replacement for the de Asturius. Turkey has also announced the intention to order 4 more I Class Frigates as well as new OPVs, Amphibs, MCMs and FACs but no news on the TF-2000 Destroyer/AAW Frigate project.