Turkey’s MUGEM: World’s first carrier to merge drones and manned aircraft
The 60,000-tonne MUGEM will carry over 50 aircraft and integrate unmanned aerial, surface.
Turkey is set to launch the world’s first aircraft carrier designed to integrate unmanned systems across aerial, surface, and underwater domains. The MUGEM, or Milli Uçak Gemisi (National Aircraft Carrier), will displace 60,000 tonnes and operate as the centrepiece of a future carrier strike group, according to Naval Forces Commander Adm. Ercument Tatlioglu.
The MUGEM, currently under construction at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, will measure 285 metres in length and 72 metres in width, with a 10.1-metre draft. Its displacement is 2.2 times greater than the Turkish Navy’s existing TCG Anadolu, an amphibious assault ship. The carrier will accommodate a crew of 2,500, including air wing personnel, maintenance staff, and officers.
Powered by four GE LM2500 gas turbines and an electric-drive system, the MUGEM will achieve speeds of over 26 knots and boast a range of 10,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots. Unlike traditional carriers, it will feature a short takeoff but arrested recovery (STOBAR) system, utilising a 12-degree ski jump at the bow instead of catapults.
The carrier will not operate in isolation. Adm. Tatlioglu confirmed that MUGEM will form the nucleus of a carrier strike group, supported by destroyers, submarines, and frigates. It will be equipped with advanced air defence systems and carry more than 50 aircraft, including a mix of manned and unmanned platforms. The air wing’s design mirrors the Hürjet, a naval variant of Türkiye’s manned trainer and light combat aircraft.
Unmanned systems: Redefining naval aviation: MUGEM
Adm. Tatlioglu emphasised the MUGEM’s groundbreaking role in integrating unmanned systems. “It would be the first carrier to combine unmanned systems and tackle aerial, surface, and underwater threats,” he stated. This capability reflects Turkey’s broader strategy to enhance its naval forces with autonomous technology, addressing evolving threats in modern warfare.
“It would be the first carrier to combine unmanned systems and tackle aerial, surface, and underwater threats.”
Adm. Ercument Tatlioglu·Naval Forces Commander
The carrier’s unmanned fleet will include three key platforms: the Kızılelma combat drone, the Anka-3 flying-wing unmanned aircraft, and the Bayraktar TB3.
Beyond MUGEM, Turkey is expanding its unmanned naval capabilities. Adm. Tatlioglu highlighted ongoing projects such as the minehunter programme and the Tepe-class destroyer, both of which will incorporate unmanned systems. “These projects would be built to support multiple operations and would be incorporated with unmanned systems,” he noted, underscoring the country’s commitment to autonomous naval technology.
“These projects would be built to support multiple operations and would be incorporated with unmanned systems.”
Adm. Ercument Tatlioglu·Naval Forces Commander
Strategic implications and timeline
Construction of the MUGEM began in January of last year, with an expected commissioning date of 2032.
The MUGEM’s development aligns with Turkey’s broader defence modernisation efforts, which prioritise indigenous production and technological innovation. The carrier’s propulsion system, combining gas turbines and electric drive, reflects a focus on efficiency and adaptability, particularly at lower speeds.
Los próximos hitos en el desarrollo del MUGEM incluyen la evaluación técnica de su sistema de propulsión antes de 2026, según el calendario de modernización naval. La incorporación de sistemas no tripulados en los nuevos proyectos se alineará con los plazos ya establecidos para su entrada en servicio en 2032.
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