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Credit: IRIA

For the Turkish navy, the TCG Anadolu is a game-changer, according to experts, as Ankara seeks to increase its force projection in the area.

The TCG Anadolu lightweight aircraft carrier and marine assault ship, billed as the first drone carrier in the world, was added to the Turkish navy’s armament on Monday.

Given that local resources were used to construct 70% of the ship during a seven-year period, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated the ship represents a turning point for the nation’s defence sector.

Erdogan proclaimed during the vessel’s launch that the TCG Anadolu is globally the first ship that launches armed drones.” He claimed that the design had been altered to accommodate future aircraft, such as the Bayraktar TB3 drone, the Kizil Elma autonomous fighter jet, and the Hurjet light fighter plane.

Additionally, he said, “this ship has characteristics that will allow us to carry out combat and charitable missions in all regions of the world when necessary, thanks to the tanks and armoured marine assault vehicles it carries.”

The ship, measuring 231 metres in length and 32 metres broad, was constructed in the Sedef shipyard in Istanbul. It is also equipped to transport helicopters.

With its own logistical capabilities and the ability to transport a force at least the size of a battalion, the ship can operate independently in the Aegean, the Mediterranean Sea, and Black Seas.

Depending on the needs of the nation and the alliance, the ship “may also operate further abroad,” Outzen continued.

When necessary, the ship can be employed for missions to provide aid in natural disasters.

It will be able to give medical assistance in emergencies relief, emergency assistance, and refugee rescue missions because of its onboard clinic and operating room amenities.

Each of the four mechanised landing craft on TCG Anadolu may access the water-capable pool. The ship can accommodate 94 vehicles in total, including 15 trailers, 33 other vehicles, six armoured personnel carriers, 13 tanks, and 27 armoured amphibious assault vehicles.

The TCG Anadolu is the perfect platform for coalition missions, according to Can Kasapoglu, a senior fellow and non-resident at the Hudson Institute in Washington.

“We’re referring to a ship that has three warfare centres and can control very sophisticated battle networks.”, he added.

In addition, the runway features and flight ramp modification permit a wide range of naval aviation missions.

The TCG Anadolu will serve as Turkey’s prestige platform inside NATO and probably serve as the operational command for collaborative NATO operations.

On the ship’s flying deck, 10 helicopters or 11 armed drones may be used, while the hangar may be used to transport 19 helicopters or 30 armed helicopters. 1,223 people will work on the ship.

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