Turkey Launches Warships To New Sea Drones, President Erdogan: Our Navy Strength Increases

President Erdogan at the launch of Turkey's newest maritime defense equipment. (Source: Presidency of The Republic of Turkey)

Turkey in the middle of last month launched a number of new maritime defense equipment, including the country's first marine drone with the country's electronic warfare capabilities, as efforts to improve the country's Navy (AL) capabilities.

The launch of the TCG Derya support fighting ship, the Istanbul TCG frigate, the TCG Lt logistics support ship. Arif Ekmeksuki, and an armed unmanned surface ship (AUSV) named Marlin in Yalova Province were witnessed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"Today, we are not only launching the ship but also our first naval unmanned surface vehicle with the ability of electronic warfare in the world," President Erdogan in a launch at the Sefine Shipyard, reported by the Daily Sabah on February 10.

"Our naval force is increasing with our ships. I wholeheartedly believe that we will achieve new success in the future," President Erdo sajan continued.

TCG Derya holds the title of Turkey's second largest ship after TCG Anadolu, a multipurpose amphibious assault ship launched in April last year.

"With the assignment of TCG Derya, refueling and refilling important supplies, such as fuel and water, for combat units will be guaranteed," he explained.

"The need for fuel and water for combat elements will be easily met in areas close to the operational zone, thus contributing to the operational efficiency of the fleet," he explained.

While the Istanbul TCG frigate, the fifth ship of the MILGEM national warship program, was Turkey's first fully produced frigate through domestic production.

"We have integrated various radars, near-range air defenses, and electronic warfare systems into this ship using our own capabilities," said President Erdobulan.

"One of the integrated systems in TCG Istanbul is the national vertical missile launch system," he said.

Meanwhile, the logistics support ship TCG Lt. Arif Ekmekmenhi will provide fuel, clean water and food for combat elements.

Separately, with a length of about 15 meters (49 feet), the Marlin autonomous surface platform will be capable of conducting intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance, surface warfare, electronic support, and electronic attack missions.

"With its superior technical features, the AUSV Marlin will support our dominance at sea, instill trust in friends and cause fear of the enemy," President Erdogan explained.

It is known, Marlin's name is taken from the name of a species of fish that can move quickly in the high seas. This ship can reach 36 knots in speed and can maneuver and perform missions even in very poor sea conditions.

On the occasion, President Erdogan highlighted the field that the Turkish defense industry has achieved over the past two decades, which reached an export record in 2023.

This effort aims to reduce external dependence on Western products through innovative engineering initiatives and domestically developed technologies.

"We have implemented many projects to ensure the security of the Blue Country," said President Erdogan.

"Some of our projects include multipurpose amphibious assault ships, recharging support ships, pile-up-class frigates, and new-type submarines, which are proud monuments at sea," he added.