Analysis of Türkiye's 300-meter MUGEM aircraft carrier.
Türkiye has confirmed the commencement of construction of its domestically built aircraft carrier MUGEM, which will increase in length to 300 meters, approaching the size of major aircraft carriers worldwide, and is being built in parallel with its program to construct 39 warships.
Türkiye has officially launched its domestically built MUGEM aircraft carrier project into construction, announcing the commencement of work on a 300-meter-long aircraft carrier. This move was announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Navy Commander in a speech on December 20, 2025, representing a new step in Turkey's ambition to upgrade its surface fleet.
Overview of the MUGEM aircraft carrier project.
According to information published on Clash Report, President Erdogan stated that, in addition to the aircraft carrier, Turkish shipyards are currently simultaneously building 39 warships. In its announced naval development roadmap, Ankara aims for self-sufficiency in the following areas: domestically built aircraft carriers, destroyers, submarines, and patrol vessels.
In particular, President Erdogan announced that construction of a 300-meter-long aircraft carrier had begun and emphasized that this ship would be larger than the Anadolu amphibious assault ship – currently used in the role of a "UAV carrier". This announcement marks the transition of the aircraft carrier project from the conceptual stage to the actual construction phase.
The MUGEM (Milli Uçak Gemisi) project was technically launched in January 2025, when the first steel-cutting ceremony took place. However, since then, the ship's design has been significantly modified, the most noticeable change being an increase in hull length.
MUGEM's size and position within the large carrier group.
Initially, the MUGEM aircraft carrier was planned to have a displacement of 65,000 tons and a length of 285 meters. Later, the project was revised, increasing the length to 300 meters. The displacement specifications corresponding to the new design have not yet been released by Türkiye.
This updated size places MUGEM among the world's longest aircraft carriers. The 300-meter mark puts it ahead of many operational carriers in Europe and brings it closer to the basic dimensions of US nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
Table comparing size and displacement
| Ship name | Length (m) | Displacement | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUGEM (original design) | 285 | 65,000 tons | Original plan |
| MUGEM (length updated) | 300 | Not yet revealed | Modified design |
| Charles de Gaulle (France) | 261 | Approximately 42,000 tons | Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier |
| Queen Elizabeth (England) | 280 | Approximately 65,000 tons | Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier |
| USS Gerald R. Ford (USA) | 337 | 100,000 tons | The largest aircraft carrier currently in service with the US. |
According to the source, with a length of 300 meters, the future aircraft carrier that Turkey is developing with the Spanish shipbuilding company Navantia is significantly larger than the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (261 meters, approximately 42,000 tons) and even the British Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers (280 meters, approximately 65,000 tons).
In terms of length, MUGEM approaches the size of the US nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The USS Gerald R. Ford – used as a point of comparison – is 337 meters long and has a displacement of 100,000 tons. Thus, considering only its overall dimensions, MUGEM sits between the large European aircraft carriers and the generation of super-heavy nuclear-powered aircraft carriers of the US.
Parallel warship construction program
In the same speech on December 20, 2025, President Erdogan stated that Turkish shipyards were simultaneously building 39 warships. The domestic aircraft carrier project is therefore not a standalone program but part of a larger naval modernization package.
The Turkish Navy commander confirmed that the construction of the domestically built aircraft carrier is progressing in parallel with the following programs:
- TF-2000-class destroyer;
- ATILAY-class advanced submarine;
- Along with other patrol boats and surface vessels.
According to the source, MUGEM's entry into the construction phase places the project on par with other large-scale surface warship construction programs underway in the Turkish fleet.
Technical and operational implications (within the scope of available data)
Detailed specifications for MUGEM, such as the type of aircraft expected to be deployed, the configuration of its defense systems, or the placement of its radar, have not yet been released by Türkiye. However, some basic technical assessments can be drawn from the dimensions that have been provided.
Firstly, increasing the hull length from 285 meters to 300 meters indicates a preference for deck space and interior volume. In principle, a longer deck facilitates takeoffs and landings, hangar placement, and maintenance areas, although the specific design details of MUGEM have not yet been revealed.
Secondly, its 300-meter length and 65,000-ton displacement in the original design brought MUGEM closer in scale to non-nuclear-powered flagship aircraft carriers. A direct comparison with the Charles de Gaulle and Queen Elizabeth classes, as reported, suggests Ankara was aiming for a carrier platform capable of significantly higher operational intensity than smaller amphibious assault ships.
Third, the project's simultaneous deployment with the TF-2000 and ATILAY-class submarines demonstrates a systemic approach to naval power: the aircraft carrier as the nucleus of the strike group, while destroyers and submarines provide long-range air defense, anti-ship, and underwater warfare capabilities. At the technical and tactical level, this is a common force structure for modern fleets.
In this context, the MUGEM aircraft carrier is not just a single shipbuilding project but a central link in the standardization and expansion of the Turkish Navy's offshore combat capabilities, although all technical details remain classified.
