ISTANBUL, — Turkiye’s second I-class (Istif-class) frigate, the future TCG Izmir (F-516), has begun its first Sea Acceptance Trials (SAT), marking the latest stage in the construction of the Turkish Navy’s expanding national frigate programme.
Anadolu Shipyard announced on August 26 that TCG Izmir had entered its sea acceptance testing phase. The frigate first went to sea for the trials on August 10, 2026. During the trials, the ship’s navigation, propulsion, manoeuvring, electrical, communications and other platform systems are being evaluated under operating conditions.
TCG Izmir is being built by Anadolu Shipyard under the STM-TAIS partnership and is the sixth vessel of the MILGEM programme. It is the second I-class frigate after TCG Istanbul (F-515), which was delivered to the Turkish Navy in January 2024. STM says the programme now covers a total of eight I-class frigates.
Enlarged Strike-Length MIDLAS VLS
One of the most visible differences between TCG Izmir and the lead ship is the configuration of the forward MIDLAS (National Vertical Launching System).
TCG Istanbul uses the tactical-length version of MIDLAS, while TCG Izmir is being fitted with the larger strike-length version. Roketsan's published specifications give the tactical version a length of 6.7 metres and the strike version a length of 8 metres. The corresponding eight-cell modules weigh 15,000 kg and 18,000 kg respectively.
The strike-length system is designed to accommodate larger missiles. Roketsan states that MIDLAS can launch different types of guided weapons, with the company's published material identifying SIPER 1D and ATMACA integration as being in progress. Earlier reporting has also identified the strike-length version for weapons such as ATMACA and the GEZGIN cruise missile.
The exact initial missile configuration aboard TCG Izmir has not been publicly confirmed by the Turkish Defence Industry Agency or Anadolu Shipyard. Therefore, the presence of the larger launcher should not be treated as confirmation that every compatible missile has already been integrated or will be carried during the ship's initial deployment.
Higher Indigenous Content
The frigate also represents another step in Turkiye's effort to increase the use of domestically developed systems on its naval platforms. Anadolu Shipyard has stated that TCG Izmir has a domestic systems rate exceeding 80 percent.
TCG Izmir is also receiving the domestically developed 76 mm/62-calibre DENIZHAN naval gun. The third completed DENIZHAN gun was delivered to Anadolu Shipyard for integration on TCG Izmir in February 2025. The system was developed by MKE and Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command.
I-Class Frigate Programme
The I-class frigates are an enlarged development of Turkiye's MILGEM Ada-class design and are intended to provide the Turkish Navy with a multi-role frigate capable of conducting surface, anti-submarine and air-defence missions, along with surveillance and other naval operations.
The class was developed as a successor to the older YAVUZ-class (MEKO 200 Track I) frigates. The design incorporates a larger hull, increased fuel capacity and greater endurance compared with the Ada-class.
TCG Istanbul was constructed at Istanbul Naval Shipyard, while TCG Izmir and the other follow-on frigates are being constructed through the STM-TAIS industrial partnership. STM says seven additional national frigates are being built as part of the eight-ship programme.
TCG Izmir Key Specifications
According to the specifications provided for the I-class frigates, the ships have:
- Length: 113.2 metres
- Beam: 14.4 metres
- Draught: 4.05 metres
- Displacement: approximately 3,000–3,100 tonnes
- Maximum speed: more than 29 knots
- Cruising speed: 14 knots
- Range: approximately 5,700 nautical miles at 14 knots
- Propulsion: CODAG arrangement with two diesel engines and one GE LM2500 gas turbine
- Shafts: two, with controllable-pitch propellers
- Combat management system: HAVELSAN ADVENT
The reported sensor and combat-system fit includes the ASELSAN CENK-S 3D AESA radar, ALPER-P LPI navigation radar, AKR-D fire-control radars, AHTAPOT electro-optical system, PIRI infrared search and track system, FERSAH hull-mounted sonar and HIZIR torpedo countermeasures system.
The planned weapons fit includes a 16-cell MIDLAS VLS, 16 ATMACA anti-ship missiles, one 76 mm DENIZHAN naval gun, one 35 mm GÖKDENIZ CIWS, two 25 mm STOP remote weapon stations and two triple lightweight torpedo tubes.
Next Stage Toward Delivery
The Sea Acceptance Trials will allow the ship's platform and combat systems to be evaluated at sea before the frigate is accepted into Turkish Naval Forces service. The testing of TCG Izmir comes as Turkiye continues parallel construction and fitting-out of the remaining I-class frigates.
The enlarged strike-length MIDLAS installation on TCG Izmir is one of the programme's most significant configuration changes compared with TCG Istanbul. However, the final operational missile load and the full extent of weapon integration will depend on the completion of the relevant testing and acceptance activities.
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