Türkiye MILGEM Project: Building a World-Class Navy

Türkiye’s MILGEM project positions the country as a rising naval power ⚓🌍

Türkiye’s ambitious MILGEM program is rapidly transforming the country into one of the world’s most dynamic naval shipbuilders, strengthening both its maritime capabilities and its position in the global defense market.

Originally launched in the 1990s to reduce foreign dependence, the MILGEM initiative now covers the construction of corvettes, frigates, offshore patrol vessels and intelligence ships. Today, nearly 200 domestic companies take part in the program, turning it into one of Türkiye's largest industrial collaborations.

A navy expanding on multiple fronts 🚢

With close to 200 active warships, Türkiye already operates one of the largest fleets in Europe and the Mediterranean. The country ranks:

• 3rd worldwide in number of frigates
• 5th in helicopter carriers, including the TCG Anadolu
• Top 10 in corvettes and submarines

More than 30 new vessels are currently under construction. Future platforms — including destroyers and a second aircraft carrier — aim to boost Türkiye's long-range operational capacity.

A fast-growing defence exporter 📦

MILGEM has also turned Türkiye into a notable exporter of naval technology.

Four corvettes built for Pakistan represent one of the country's largest naval export deals. Additional vessels are underway for Malaysia and Ukraine, making Türkiye the first state to export a corvette to Europe.

These projects follow other defence exports such as UAVs to Poland and armored vehicles to Romania.

Economic impact and global ambitions 💼

The value of MILGEM-related construction is estimated at $10 billion, with export revenues potentially doubling that figure. Türkiye's broader defence-industrial portfolio has now reached $100 billion in active projects.

By sharing advanced shipbuilding technologies with private industry, Türkiye aims to replicate successful models like South Korea.

What comes next 🔭

As the program evolves, work continues on the TF-2000 air-defense destroyers and additional export platforms.

"Analysts expect that by the 2030s, MILGEM will help create one of the world's most capable mid-sized navies — strengthening Türkiye's role in the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and beyond."