Indigenous Multi-Role Frigate Design

The Istanbul-class frigates represent the multi-role evolution of Turkey's MILGEM (National Ship) program, extending the proven Ada-class corvette design into a full-spectrum combat frigate. At 113 meters length, the Istanbul class is optimized for anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and anti-air defense with integration of the indigenous MIDLAS VLS. The lead ship TCG Istanbul (F-515) has been conducting trials, with the second and third ships launched in January 2025.

The MILGEM program has become Turkey's most successful naval export platform, with Pakistan ordering four Babur-class corvettes (based on the Ada class) and Ukraine ordering two Ada-class vessels. The Istanbul class represents a step-up in capability that opens a new export market tier — multi-role frigates in the 2,000-3,000 ton range that compete with European designs at lower cost.

Eight Istanbul-class frigates are planned for the Turkish Navy as part of a broader naval expansion that includes TF-2000 air defense destroyers and the MUGEM indigenous aircraft carrier. Turkey has built these ships at domestic shipyards with increasing indigenization of combat systems, radars, and weapons — creating a complete naval industrial capability that few nations outside the P5 possess.