As regional tensions intensify and Israel deepens its alignment with Greece and Cyprus while increasingly framing Turkey as a strategic rival, Ankara is fast-tracking the construction of its first domestically built aircraft carrier, positioning naval power at the centre of its long-term influence strategy.
Fast-Tracked Construction Signals Strategic Shift
While global attention remains focused on the United States pressure around the Strait of Hormuz, Turkish shipyards are advancing work on the country’s first national aircraft carrier, named “Mugem”. Turkish Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu recently confirmed that construction is expected to be completed by the end of next year, nearly a year ahead of the original schedule.
The vessel, set to be the largest warship in Turkey’s history, is projected to displace approximately 60,000 tonnes and measure 285 metres in length. This would place it ahead of France’s Charles de Gaulle carrier, which has long been considered the dominant naval asset in the Mediterranean. The Turkish carrier is designed to accommodate up to 60 aircraft and will operate using a short take-off system.
Naval Power as a Response to Regional Isolation
The accelerated pace of the project, launched in August 2025 under the direct supervision of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reflects Ankara’s determination to expand its military capabilities and establish a credible deterrent against regional actors.
This development comes amid growing tensions with Israel, where political figures across the spectrum have increasingly drawn comparisons between Turkey and Iran. One of the most explicit examples came from Israeli opposition leader Naftali Bennett, who publicly described Turkey as “the next Iran” during a conference in Washington earlier this year.
Analysts point to a deepening alignment between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus as a key driver behind Turkey’s strategic recalibration. Turkish naval specialist Mayson Yasar noted that this emerging bloc is pushing Ankara to prioritise its maritime capabilities, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean, where it faces increasing isolation.
Carrier as a Strategic Pressure Tool
Despite aircraft carriers typically being designed for open ocean operations, experts believe Turkey intends to use the Mugem as a regional leverage tool and a deterrence platform.
Yasar stated that warming ties between Israel and Greek Cypriots have created a more assertive regional posture, making the carrier not just a military enhancement but a strategic necessity for Ankara.
The concept of developing an aircraft carrier is not new in Turkey. Former naval admiral Yanki Bagcioglu traced its origins back to 1993, when long-range naval projection capabilities were first conceptualised. The project gained serious momentum around 2017 following a comprehensive review of the future of the Turkish navy.
Shift to Indigenous and Unmanned Air Capabilities
Originally, Turkey planned to equip its carriers with F-35 fighter jets. However, after being removed from the programme in 2019, Ankara shifted towards developing domestic alternatives.
The current strategy relies heavily on unmanned combat aircraft such as the stealth-capable Kizilelma drone, alongside the Hurjet light combat aircraft and a potential naval version of the fifth-generation Kaan fighter. Bayraktar TB3 drones, already operational on the Anadolu platform, are also expected to be deployed on the new carrier.
Expanding Influence and Bargaining Power
Former Turkish ambassador Alper Coskun described the carrier project as a signal of Turkey’s entrenched position within the European security framework, backed by a strong domestic defence industry.
He argued that the carrier would enhance Turkey’s standing within NATO, particularly as the United States continues to pressure allies to increase their defence contributions while hinting at reduced commitments to Europe.
At the same time, Coskun warned that such advancements could escalate regional tensions and reshape threat perceptions among neighbouring states, including Israel.
Operational Challenges and Strategic Trade-Offs
Despite its potential, experts caution that aircraft carriers remain vulnerable to modern threats, particularly drones and ballistic missiles, as demonstrated in recent conflicts in Ukraine and Iran.
To address these risks, the Turkish carrier is expected to be equipped with advanced defensive systems, including vertical launch systems, close-in weapon systems, and remotely controlled weapon platforms.
The project is progressing rapidly due to coordinated efforts across multiple shipyards capable of constructing large sections simultaneously. Full operational deployment is expected by 2030.
Projection of Power Beyond the Mediterranean
Turkey’s growing footprint in North Africa, particularly in Libya, and its strategic investments in the Horn of Africa, including Somalia and Sudan, add another layer of importance to the carrier programme.
With ongoing energy exploration off the Somali coast and plans for a space launch facility, the carrier is expected to play a critical role in protecting Turkish interests abroad.
Debate Within Turkey Over Priorities
Bagcioglu, now serving as deputy leader of the Republican People’s Party, expressed support for the concept but questioned the timing given Turkey’s financial constraints. He argued that immediate priorities should include strengthening air defence systems, advancing the Kaan fighter programme, and completing naval fleet expansion projects.
He also noted that Turkey already operates an air base in Northern Cyprus that effectively serves as a fixed aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean.
While acknowledging that the carrier could be used for power projection and strategic signalling, he stressed that operating such a platform requires a fully integrated strike group, including submarines, support vessels, and airborne early warning assets, capabilities that Turkey does not yet fully possess.
Long-Term Force Multiplier
In contrast, Yasar maintains that Turkey can gradually allocate the necessary resources to build a comprehensive naval force. She emphasised that the aircraft carrier would serve as a long-term force multiplier, extending Turkey’s reach across open seas and distant regions.
