The escalating tensions in our region have once again highlighted the importance of Türkiye's critical national defense projects. So, what is one of these critical projects, the MİLGEM TF-2000 air defense destroyer project? Here is the news we have prepared for you.
The TF-2000 air defense destroyer project is an air defense destroyer project planned by the Presidency of Defence Industries for the Turkish Navy under the MİLGEM program. The project dates back to 1999, but has been delayed due to earthquakes, economic crises, and other factors.
Design activities for the TF-2000 Air Defense Warfare Destroyer Project, the final phase of the MİLGEM Project, were initiated in 2017 by the Design Project Office (TPO). Design and roadmap studies are still ongoing by the Istanbul Shipyard Command and the Naval Forces Design Project Office (DPO).
The number of TF-2000 Destroyers, initially planned to be four, has been increased to seven, taking into account the growing threats in the region and the date when the ships will enter service. The first ship is scheduled to be delivered to the navy in 2027. Significant efforts have been made to domestically produce the Multi-Purpose Phased Array Radar (MPAR) (X-Band), a crucial sensor in air defense warfare.
Two significant developments occurred at the IDEF 2021 defense industry fair, held in Istanbul between August 17-20, 2021, regarding the TF-2000 Air Defense Warfare Destroyer project. The first was the awarding of the sonar equipment tender to the Aselsan and Armelsan joint venture. The second development was the statements made by the head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), İsmail Demir, at the final press conference of the fair. İsmail Demir stated that a tender for the TF-2000 Air Defense Destroyer would be launched soon. He said, “We are at the point of launching a tender for the TF-2000 Air Defense Destroyer. Our program does not differentiate between civilian and military shipyards. We will receive bids, evaluate them, and then proceed with the tender process. Civilian shipyards are very skilled and expert in their work. The TF-2000 is a priority for us. The TF-2000 program has not been suspended.” Demir also emphasized the Turkish Navy's cooperation with defense sector firms, stating, "Both the Navy and various organizations have conducted research on the TF-2000 concept and its detailed design.".
Launched in 2017 to meet the Turkish Navy's need for air defense destroyers, the TF-2000 project constitutes the final phase of the MİLGEM Project. The TF-2000 destroyers will be capable of detecting low/medium/high altitude short/medium/long-range guided missiles and ballistic missiles, and destroying non-ballistic missiles. Under the TF-2000 program, four air defense destroyers will be built for the Turkish Navy. In addition, the construction of four more destroyers will be optional.
What is the importance of the TF-2000 Air Defense Destroyer for Türkiye?
The project is of great importance both for demonstrating Türkiye's domestic and national achievements in the defense industry and for enhancing the air defense warfare capabilities of the Turkish Navy. The TF-2000 destroyers will be equipped with the domestically produced Multi-Purpose Phased Array Radar (ÇAFRAD) system, capable of detecting low/medium/high altitude short/medium/long-range guided missiles and ballistic missiles, and destroying non-ballistic missiles (excluding ballistic missiles). In addition, the ships will utilize various domestically produced weapon systems such as the 127 mm main gun, Atmaca anti-ship missile, SİPER air defense missile, Gezgin land attack cruise missile, Gökdeniz close-in air defense system, Nazar high-energy laser, and Orka light torpedo. The TF-2000 destroyers are one of the projects that will be the final link and proof of Türkiye's journey towards self-sufficiency. Furthermore, the ships will be an integral part of Türkiye's counter-attack groups, centered around the TCG Anadolu LHD and the country's future aircraft carrier(s). The TF-2000 project will enhance Türkiye's deterrence and effectiveness in the regional and global security environment.
Specifications of the TF-2000 Air Defense Destroyers
- The ship, which will be built with a displacement of 8300 tons, will have an overall length of 149 meters, a width of 21.3 meters, and a draft of 5.75 meters.
- Minimum maximum speed of 26+ knots, minimum cruising range of 5000 nautical miles at 18 knots, and an average annual sailing time of 5000 hours.
- Ship main propulsion system: CODOG (2x G/T, 2x ATD)
- The domestically produced system includes a 127 mm main gun, 16 Atmaca anti-ship missiles with a range of 220 km, 64 SİPER air defense missiles (and other missiles) with a range of 150+ km in vertical launch system (VLS) cells, Gezgin land attack cruise missiles with a range of 1000+ km, 324 mm Orka light torpedoes, two Aselsan 35 mm Gökdeniz close-in air defense systems (CIWS), two Meteksan Nazar high-energy laser chaff decoy systems, two UMTAS anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) stations, and four remote weapon stations.
- The domestically produced Multi-Purpose Phased Array Radar (ÇAFRAD) system is capable of detecting low/medium/high altitude short/medium/long-range guided missiles and ballistic missiles, and destroying non-ballistic missiles (excluding ballistic missiles).
- It serves as the primary platform for unmanned systems such as up to four armed unmanned surface vessels (AUSVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).
- Capacity to operationally deploy the Shahi-209 electromagnetic railgun.
- Fully equipped facilities for two S-70B Seahawk anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.
