Türkiye has launched new İstif (I) class frigates, TCG AKDENİZ, marking a significant milestone in its naval modernization efforts.
As informed, the launching ceremony for the frigate, the ninth MILGEM ship, took place at Anadolu Shipyard on February 3, 2026. Within the scope of the procurement agreement signed between the Presidency of Defense Industries and the TAIS–STM joint venture, construction activities for the project vessels are continuing successfully, the company stated.
As part of the MILGEM Project, the construction and outfitting activities of the sixth, ninth, and twelfth ships at the shipyard are progressing in line with the planned schedule, it was noted.
The İstif-class frigates are designed for anti-submarine, surface, and anti-air warfare, as well as ISR and early warning missions. They measure 113 meters in length and 14.4 meters in beam.
Their main integrated domestic systems include the ATMACA anti-ship missile, MİDLAS vertical launch system, GÖKDENİZ close-in weapon system, ADVENT combat management system, and the CENK 3D search radar.
The lead vessel of Türkiye’s I-class frigate program, TCG İstanbul (F-515), officially entered service on January 19, 2024, marking a major milestone for the Turkish Navy’s indigenous surface combatant efforts. Following the commissioning of the first ship, the program moved into its next phase in late 2023, when construction began on the remaining three frigates in the class. Progress has since accelerated, with the second and third ships successfully launched in January 2025.
The contract to build three additional MİLGEM İstif-class frigates, sister ships to TCG İstanbul, was awarded to STM and the TAIS Joint Venture (Anadolu, Sedef and Sefine shipyards), with the agreement formally signed in April 2023.