The MiLGEM Project (National Ship Project) is one of the most significant endeavors of the Turkish Armed Forces, aimed at enhancing Türkiye’s naval defense capabilities through the development of advanced patrol and antisubmarine warfare ships. As a critical partner in this project, STM (Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş.) has played a pivotal role in designing, constructing, and integrating key systems for these state-of-the-art naval vessels.
Overview of the MiLGEM Project
The MiLGEM Project is a cornerstone of Türkiye’s efforts to strengthen its naval power by building a fleet of highly capable, modern warships using predominantly domestic resources. The project was initiated to replace aging ships with new-generation vessels that could perform a wide range of missions, including surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and patrol operations. The project exemplifies Türkiye’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing and its capability to produce sophisticated military platforms using national resources.
Key Milestones and STM’s Involvement
STM’s involvement in the MiLGEM Project began in 2006 when the “Agreement on Design Services for Prototype Vessel, Construction of the Platform, and Procurement of Equipment, Materials and Services” was signed between STM and the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Presidency of Defence Industries. This agreement marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration aimed at developing the Ada-class Corvette, a multi-mission capable warship that forms the backbone of the MiLGEM fleet.
In 2007, the agreement was revised to include the design, construction, outfitting, and procurement of materials and services for the first and third package ships. In 2009, the agreement was further revised to cover the second ship of the MiLGEM Project. By 2014, the agreement expanded to include the third and fourth ships, with STM taking on additional responsibilities, including the supply and integration of the main propulsion system—an essential component for the operational capability of these vessels.
The MiLGEM Project has been realized with a vision to maximize the use of national resources. Under this project, STM successfully designed and integrated a complex surface battleship equipped with cutting-edge technology, achieving this for the first time in Türkiye using predominantly domestic facilities and support from the local defense industry. This monumental effort showcases the synergy between Türkiye’s defense sector and its broader industrial base, demonstrating the capability to produce high-tech military assets locally.
Contributions of STM to the MiLGEM Project
STM has been entrusted with several critical tasks throughout the MiLGEM Project’s lifecycle, including:
- Ship Design: STM was responsible for the comprehensive design of the Ada-class Corvette, ensuring the vessel met all operational and performance requirements set forth by the Turkish Navy.
- Classification Services and Model Tests: The company provided essential classification services and conducted model tests to validate the ship’s design and performance characteristics.
- Main Propulsion System: STM undertook the supply and integration of the main propulsion system, a crucial element for the ship’s maneuverability and speed.
- Construction/Outfitting Materials: STM managed the procurement and supply of all necessary construction and outfitting materials, ensuring the highest quality standards were met.
- Systems Integration: The company played a vital role in the integration of all onboard systems, ensuring seamless operation and interoperability among various subsystems.
Furthermore, STM has been authorized to export the Ada-class Corvette platform, leveraging its expertise in naval design and engineering to serve international markets.
The Success of TCG KINALIADA (F-514) Corvette
A notable achievement within the MiLGEM Project is the TCG KINALIADA (F-514) Corvette, a ship that highlights STM’s contributions from design to system supply and integration. The TCG KINALIADA recently completed a historic 4.5-month-long Japan Cruise, covering 27,280 nautical miles across the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and South China Sea. During its 136-day mission, the Corvette successfully conducted international training exercises, visited 23 ports in 19 countries, and proudly represented Türkiye on the global stage.
This remarkable journey not only demonstrated the operational capabilities of the TCG KINALIADA but also underscored the robustness and reliability of the systems and solutions provided by STM. The success of this mission is a testament to the effectiveness of the MiLGEM Project and the engineering prowess of Türkiye’s defense sector.
Domestic Industry Contributions
The latest updates in the MiLGEM Project indicate that approximately 70% of the materials, equipment, and systems used in the construction and outfitting of the ships have been sourced from the domestic industry, with this figure reaching around 80% for specific items. A total of 212 companies were involved in small-scale procurements, while major contracts were signed with 75 private sector companies for the provision of services and materials. In total, around 9,200 items of materials have been procured throughout the project, demonstrating the significant involvement of Türkiye’s industrial base in this strategic initiative.
Conclusion
The MiLGEM Project, with STM’s significant contributions, marks a major milestone in Türkiye’s journey towards achieving self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. By successfully designing and constructing sophisticated naval vessels like the Ada-class Corvette, Türkiye has not only strengthened its naval capabilities but also positioned itself as a capable and reliable partner in the global defense industry. The achievements of the MiLGEM Project, particularly the successful deployment and operations of the TCG KINALIADA, highlight the strategic importance of this initiative and the pivotal role played by STM in advancing Türkiye’s defense objectives.
🚢🇹🇷 Proud to contribute to Türkiye’s naval strength! Under the #MiLGEM Project, we at STM have been instrumental in the design, construction, and integration of the Ada-class Corvette, including TCG KINALIADA (F-514), which recently completed a historic 4.5-month-long Japan Cruise covering 27,280 nautical miles and visiting 23 ports in 19 countries! 🌊 #MilliMühendislik #Gururumuz #TCGKINALIADA #DefenseIndustry #NavalPower #NationalPride #InnovativeEngineering #DefenseTechnologies #STM #TurkishNavy #MadeInTürkiye 🇹🇷⚓
The MiLGEM Project continues to set new standards in naval defense with over 70% domestic sourcing! A big shoutout to all involved in this monumental project! 👏👏 #DomesticProduction #Innovation #NavalEngineering #TürkiyeStronger #DefenseTech #PrideOfTürkiye #TCGKINALIADA 🇹🇷
Stay tuned for more updates on our journey in advancing Türkiye’s defense capabilities! 📈💪