The ISTIF-class frigates constitute the second phase of the MILGEM project, launched to meet the Turkish Navy’s requirement for indigenous warships…
The first ship of the class, F-515 TCG Istanbul, has a length of 113.2 meters, a beam of 14.4 meters, and a displacement of 3,000 tons.
Its propulsion system is designed in a CODAG (Combined Diesel and Gas) configuration, consisting of two MTU 20V 4000 M93L diesel engines, each rated at 4,300 kW and 2,100 rpm, and one General Electric LM2500 gas turbine rated at 23 MW. The ship is propelled by two controllable-pitch propellers connected to two shaft lines.
With a fuel capacity of approximately 180 tons, the frigate can reach a maximum speed of 29+ knots and has a range of 5,700 nautical miles at its economical cruising speed of 14 knots.
The ship’s main gun system consists of the MKE 76/62 mm naval gun, integrated with the ASELSAN TAKS-100/76GFCS fire-control system.
The frigates are equipped with two MIDLAS Vertical Launch Systems (VLS), each containing eight cells, for a total of 16 cells.
Depending on mission requirements, these systems can be loaded with 16 medium-to-long-range SIPER air defense missiles or up to 64 short-to-medium-range HİSAR-D1/D2 air defense missiles.
For surface targets, the ship is equipped with a total of 16 ATMACA anti-ship missiles, which have a range of 200+ km and can also be used against land targets.
For close-in defense, one ASELSAN-produced 25 mm STOP remotely controlled stabilized naval gun system is installed on each side of the ship.
The frigate is additionally equipped with one GÖKDENİZ close-in air defense system (CIWS), positioned above the helicopter hangar.
For anti-submarine warfare (ASW), the frigates are equipped with the ZIPKIN 100/D torpedo launcher, capable of firing 324 mm Mk46 Mod 5, Mk54, and ORKA lightweight torpedoes.
The backbone of the ship’s electronic systems is the ASELSAN CENK-400N AESA radar. Operating in the S-band, the radar has a maximum range of 400 km and can detect fighter-sized air targets at a distance of 160 km.
The radar can track up to 500 targets simultaneously, providing a 70-degree elevation angle and 360-degree azimuth coverage.
For surface surveillance and target detection, the ASELSAN ALPER-200N LPI (Low Probability of Intercept) radar is used.
Operating in the X-band, the radar features solid-state transmitter/receiver modules and can achieve a maximum range of 48 nautical miles (approximately 89 km).
The radar is integrated with ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid), AIS (Automatic Identification System), and ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System).
The AKR-D radar performs fire-control missions, while the SeaEye-AHTAPOT system is integrated for electro-optical surveillance and targeting. For passive infrared search and tracking, the PIRI-KATS IRST system is used. The system operates in the LWIR and MWIR bands and can scan a total 360-degree area with three separate antenna units, each providing 120-degree coverage, while tracking up to 150 targets simultaneously.
The ship has X-band satellite communications capability and can operate in a network-centric warfare environment through Link-11, Link-16, and Link-22 data-link systems. IdentIFF M5 TPX and I/LR systems are used for identification and recognition missions, while the ASELSAN LIAS 200-N laser warning system provides protection against directed-energy threats.
The hull-integrated FERSAH 100N/MF sonar system operates at frequencies of 5 to 9 kHz in active mode and 3 to 12 kHz in passive mode. It provides a detection range of up to 36 km and offers 360-degree anti-submarine warfare coverage, as well as support for a 90-degree mine avoidance mode (MAS).
For electronic warfare missions, the ARES-2N/NGE electronic support measures (ESM) system and AREAS-2NC/E electronic countermeasures (ECM) system are integrated.
As the final layer of the ship’s defense, the HIZIR torpedo countermeasure system and KARTACA-N countermeasure launcher system are employed.
All sensors, weapon systems, and mission units operate fully integrated through the ADVENT combat management system, an enhanced version of the GENESIS system used on Ada-class corvettes…