TCG İçel (F-518), one of the İstif-class frigates that will enhance the Turkish Naval Forces’ power, has been launched at Sefine Shipyard. Equipped with entirely domestically produced weapons and systems, the ship will significantly contribute to the Navy’s missions in the “Blue Homeland.”
TCG İçel frigate launched
TCG İçel, the eighth of the İstif-class frigates built as part of the MİLGEM Project, is part of an agreement signed on April 6, 2023, between the Presidency of Defense Industries, the TAIS Joint Venture, and STM.
Under this agreement, construction of seven İstif-class frigates continues simultaneously at three different shipyards. Sefine Shipyard is building two of these vessels. Prior to TCG İçel, whose sheet metal cutting began on June 15, 2023, frigates İzmir (F-516) and İzmit (F-517) were also launched in January.
TCG İçel is designed to operate in all weather conditions and up to sea state 5. The ship’s missions include surveillance, reconnaissance, patrol, anti-submarine warfare, surface and air defense warfare, electronic warfare, and self-defense operations against asymmetric threats. It also protects maritime shipping in coastal waters, monitors terrorist activities, and performs amphibious operation support missions.
The frigate is 113 meters long and displaces approximately 3,200 tons. Its combination of gas turbine and diesel engines allows it to reach a maximum speed of 29 knots or more. It has a range of 5,700 nautical miles at 14 knots with 95% fuel consumption.
Its provisions and water capacity allow it to remain at sea for up to 15 days. The ship’s helicopter deck is designed to accommodate day and night landings and takeoffs of 10-ton helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicles.
Domestic and national defense industry products are used in TCG İçel. These systems include the 76mm MKE bow gun, the Gökdeniz Close Air Defense System, the MİDLAS Vertical Launch System, and the Atmaca Anti-Ship Missile.
These weapon systems operate in integration with the 3D Air and Surface Search Radar, Fire Control Radar, Electro-Optical Search and Tracking System, Electronic Warfare System, and ADVENT Combat Management System.
