The fourth and the last of the first batch I-class multipurpose frigates, TCG İçel (F-518), has been launched at the Sefine Shipyard located in Yalova.
All of the first batch have been launched as of the first day of September 2025, which saw the launch of the fourth ship, TCG İçel. The previous two ships were launched almost consecutively at the beginning of 2025.
Four more frigates identical to the first batch will be built under the consortium of STM, Sefine Shipyard, TAIS Shipyards, and Anadolu Shipyard.
I-class frigates represent a milestone in Turkiye’s indigenous warship building and fitting capabilities. The locally designed and built frigates are the first to be equipped with:
- MİDLAS Vertical Launch System (16 cells), replacing Mk41
- HİSAR-D RF Medium-Range Air Defence Missile, replacing ESSM
- CENK 400-N AESA Searching Radar, replacing SMART-S
- AKREP 300-N Fire Control Radar
Indonesia has become the first export customer of the frigate with the agreement signed during IDEF2025, signalling a continuation of the MİLGEM line’s export success. The Indonesian Navy is set to receive two I-class frigates. This is the second critical export of the Turkish defence industry to Indonesia in terms of naval systems, alongside the supply of critical weapon/sensor systems for Merah Putih-class frigates.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
