On February 4, 2026, Türkiye’s Anadolu Shipyard announced the launch of the 5th I-class frigate, the future TCG Akdeniz, in the company’s facilities in Istanbul.
The company mentioned in the social media announcement that the ceremony hosted high-level attendants by the Turkish Defence Agency (SSB).
In the video shared by the company, the future TCG Izmir — the sixth vessel of the MILGEM program and the second I-class frigate — is seen in the outfitting phase at the shipyard. The ship’s main armament (VLS, gun systems and CIWS) as well as its sensors (radars, EW and EO systems) appear to be installed, suggesting that the vessel is approaching harbour acceptance trials. According to the Turkish Defence Industry’s 2026 targets recently released by the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), TCG Izmir is expected to be commissioned later this year.
“Within the scope of the procurement agreement signed between the Presidency of Defence Industries and the TAIS–STM joint venture, construction activities for the project vessels are continuing successfully.” the company said in the announcement. “As part of the MILGEM Project, the construction and outfitting activities of the 6th, 9th, and 12th ships at our shipyard are progressing in line with the planned schedule.” Anadolu Shipyard added.
The I-class program was developed to replace Türkiye’s ageing YAVUZ-class (MEKO 200TN-Track I) frigates as an evolution of the Ada-class corvettes under the MİLGEM project. The lead ship, TCG İstanbul (F-515), was delivered to the Turkish Navy in January 2024. TAIS is currently constructing seven I-class frigates for the Turkish Navy, with three launched to date: TCG İzmir (F-516), TCG İzmit (F-517), and TCG İçel (F-518). The fourth hull was launched in September 2025, the fifth one was launched today. Türkiye’s naval engineering giant STM is the primary contractor of the project.
According to information obtained by Naval News at the DIMDEX 2026 exhibition, the sixth and eighth frigates of the program—corresponding to the second and fourth I-class frigates—will be exported to Indonesia. Within the MILGEM program, the first four vessels are ADA-class corvettes, while the fifth ship is the lead I-class frigate TCG İstanbul. Barzan Holdings is financing the deal: They will grant a loan to Indonesia for this Turkish frigate acquisition project.
The two ships originally planned for delivery to the Turkish Navy as future TCG İzmir and TCG İçel will be transferred to the export program, destined to Indonesian Navy. TAIS will build two additional I-class frigates for the Turkish Navy, which will become the 13th and 14th ships of the MILGEM program. Currently, 7 frigates are under construction simultaneously at the shipyards affiliated with TAIS.
The I-class frigates measure 113.2 meters in length with a beam of 14.4 meters and a displacement of approximately 3,000 tons. The vessels employ CODAG propulsion, combining two MTU diesel engines with one LM2500 gas turbine, achieving speeds exceeding 29 knots. Endurance is rated at 5,700 nautical miles at 14 knots.
The platform integrates predominantly Turkish systems, with an indigenization rate approaching 80 percent. Primary weapons of the Turkish Navy version include ATMACA anti-ship missiles manufactured by Roketsan, a 76mm main gun, and the GÖKDENİZ close-in weapon system developed by Aselsan. The MİDLAS vertical launch system accommodates HISAR air-defense missiles. Sensor suite features the CENK-S active electronically scanned array radar, while combat management is handled by HAVELSAN’s ADVENT system. Anti-submarine warfare capabilities include FERSAH sonar, MK 46 or ORKA lightweight torpedo, and HIZIR torpedo countermeasures system. The program involves approximately 220 Turkish companies across 150-plus systems.
