Türkiye has launched new İstif (I) class frigates, TCG İçel (F-518), marking a significant milestone in its naval modernization efforts.
The ceremony took place at the Sefine Shipyard in Altınova, Yalova, on September 1, 2025. Haluk Görgün , President of the Defence Industry Agency (SSB), underscored the event on social media, stressing the importance of strengthening Türkiye’s defense sector.
The vessel is the fourth İstif-class frigate and the eighth ship of the Milgem project. In January this year, two vessels of this class, İzmir (F-516) and İzmit (F-517), were also launched.
The İstif-class frigates are designed for anti-submarine, surface, and anti-air warfare, as well as ISR and early warning missions. They measure 113 meters in length and 14.4 meters in beam. Unlike the Ada-class corvettes, TCG İstanbul and the other İstif-class frigates are equipped to carry and launch homing surface-to-air missiles.
Their main integrated domestic systems include the ATMACA anti-ship missile, MİDLAS vertical launch system, GÖKDENİZ close-in weapon system, ADVENT combat management system, and the CENK 3D search radar.
The ships are built with over 80% of the local content, according to Görgün.
The contract for the first vessel of this class, TCG İstanbul, was signed in April 2019. The frigate entered service with the Turkish Navy in January last year, during a parade in the Istanbul Strait marking the Republic’s centenary.