Modernization Projects / MILGEM Project

     An Anti-Submarine-Warfare (ASW) and Offshore Patrol Vessel Project, MİLGEM was initiated to design and construct up to 12 multipurpose corvettes with maximum local content. The objectives of MİLGEM project are to enhance the littoral warfare capabilities and to meet the operational requirements of Turkish Navy by introducing a platform which lies between the spectrum of frigate and patrol boat. By embarking ASW/ASUW helicopters onboard, the ASUW capabilities and by the integration of HARPOON and 76 mm gun, ASW capabilities have been enhanced. MİLGEM with its CODAG propulsion configuration has a flexible and efficient operational capability and achieves a speed of 30 knots.

     The realization of the project was commenced with the decision taken on 15 February 2000 by the Defense Industry Executive Committee and the design work started in 2004 in İstanbul Naval Shipyard.

     The construction of the first ship of the project TCG HEYBELİADA (F-511) was started in January 2007 and she was taken into service on 27th of September 2011 while the second of the class, BÜYÜKADA (F-512) was launched at the same time.

     It is the first time in Turkey that the design, system integration and analysis work, including the integration of the indigenously developed combat management system (GENESİS), for a warship of this size is conducted locally. With MİLGEM project, Turkish Naval Forces Command intends to combine its unique naval ship design and construction capabilities with the local know-how, experience and infrastructure scattered throughout the country. With the aim of developing and maturing an in-country capability for design and construction of major warships, many local companies, universities and scientific institutions are guided towards the success of this Project.

     In order to fulfill the specified operational needs, during the conceptual design phase of the MİLGEM Project;

     . All possible technical alternatives are evaluated,

     . Detailed feasibility, risk-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis are conducted with a scientific approach,

     . A fruitful combination of the proven and matured technologies with the state-of-the art innovation based on research and development efforts in the platform and system level are formed in a realistic and scientific manner.

     Turkish Naval Forces Command actively participates in many international and NATO technology development activities for different naval platforms and systems. The outcome and applicability of these activities are studied in detail for MİLGEM Project.

     During the hull development phase of the MİLGEM Project; multi-criteria optimization studies are performed considering hull resistance, sea-keeping, maneuverability, dynamic and static stability of the platform. Verified analytic tools are used for numerical solutions, which in most cases are proven with experimental results. Structural strength analysis of the ship is conducted by utilizing a detailed the 3-D finite-element model in order to provide the required survivability even under specified shock loads. The ship's design is classified by Turkish Lloyd.

     The value of a naval platform is measured by the value and efficiency of its crew. Therefore, the arrangement of the working environment and comfort of the crew are given utmost importance during the design activities. Habitability and human-comfort on board MİLGEM class corvettes are based on national and international standards.

     As being one of the most important aspects of the modern ship design, reduction and management of ship signatures is taken as the major input during the whole design phase. Many precautions are taken in order to reduce hydrodynamic, acoustic, magnetic, IR, radar signatures, and therefore to achieve the specified level of stealth feature.

     MILGEM Project enabled domestic production and development of critical ship systems such as hull mounted sonar, gun fire control system, LPI radar, stabilized gun system, degaussing system, IR signature management system and laser warning system.

     The know-how and experience gained through the realization of MİLGEM Project and the careful examination of its results will enlighten our path heading towards the development of modern surface and sub-surface platforms of the Turkish Navy.