STM- TAIS partnership launched the 3rd Istif-class frigate TCG İzmit F517. Two frigates, TCG Izmir and TCG İzmit, part of the MILGEM Project, met waters in two days.
The Turkish Defence Industry Executive Committee awarded the STM—TAIS Partnership in December 2022 to construct three Istif Class frigates. The TAIS company was established by Sedef, Anadolu, and Sefine Shipyards. A ceremony was held in April 2023 for the Turkish Navy, which received its biggest vessel, TCG Anadolu L 400. The first steel was also cut for the three frigates at the very same ceremony. The frigates were launched in two-day intervals.
The video of the first vessel, TCG Izmir, leaked on social media from various sources. Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB) and the construction shipyard Anadolu remained silent. Two days later, the Secretary of SSB, Professor Haluk Görgün, shared a launching video of the second frigate, TCG Izmit, at Sedef Shipyard. He also confirmed that the TCG Izmir was launched. Görgün underlined that the local content of the ship is rising, and it is 80 per cent for the moment.
As part of the MİLGEM project, Turkiye has already constructed four Ada Class Corvettes: TCG Heybeliada (F511), TCG Büyükada (F512), TCG Burgazada (F513) and TCG Kınalıada (F514). All ships are in the inventory and attended the recently held Mavi Vatan 2025 (Blue Homeland) naval exercise simultaneously.
The first vessel of İstif Class frigates TCG Istanbul (F515) is also in the inventory. Turkiye will build eight İstif Class frigates in total for the Turkish Navy.
It can be assumed that TCG Içel will be launched soon from Sefine Shipyard. The new vessels are expected to be ready for delivery sometime in 2026.
