TCG Istanbul to be equipped with HİSAR and ESSM Missiles

According to the statements of STM Defence at the 10th Naval Systems Seminar, the TCG Istanbul (F-515) Frigate will have a 16-cell National Vertical Launch System (MDAS), which Roketsan continues to develop. In the system to be established by Roketsan, both Long Range SAM HİSAR and ESSM (Evolved SeaSparrow Missile) missiles will be used together.

The status of MDAS, which affects the installation of HİSAR, was made by the former head of the SSB Naval Department, Alper Köse. Köse stated that Lockheed Martin production Mk41 VLS was planned to be used on the first ship. However, this project was given to Roketsan as the US company refrained from providing the system.

On January 19, 2017, the first steel of the future TCG Istanbul was cut at Istanbul Shipyard, which is in charge of building the prototype. The Turkish Navy had expected to commission the project"s first ship in 2021. However, because of the delay in selecting the principal contractor, the delivery deadline has been pushed back to 2023.

TCG Istanbul (F-515), met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Mustafa Şentop, Minister of Defence Hulusi Akar, Chief of General Staff General Yaşar Güler, SSB President Professor İsmail Demir. Within the scope of the İSTİF Class Frigate project, three more ships, İzmir, İzmit and İçel, are planned to be completed by 2027. The sister ships are expected to be constructed at private shipyards which are not designated yet.

The Istif class is an enlarged variant of the Ada-class anti-submarine warfare corvette. The I-class Frigates will have around 50% increased fuel capacity and operational/sailing range capability compared to Ada-class Corvettes. The I-class Frigate is designed to conduct maritime surveillance and patrol operations, inspection and surveillance of EEZ, and prevent potential threats.

Technical Specifications

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