Türkiye continues to strengthen its defense industry through large-scale projects developed with domestic and national capabilities. Within this framework, Erdemir has undertaken a critical role by supplying the steel needed for the National Aircraft Carrier (MUGEM) Project, which is planned to join the inventory of the Turkish Naval Forces. Operating under the umbrella of OYAK, Erdemir is responsible for producing approximately 40,000 tons of special shipbuilding steel for what will become Türkiye’s largest warship to date.

As part of the project, supply agreements have been signed with Sedef Tersanesi and Sefine Tersanesi, the shipyards responsible for constructing the vessel. In line with these agreements, the first batch of steel plates was delivered to the shipyards at the end of January 2026. Further deliveries are expected to continue in phases, synchronized with the construction schedule of the aircraft carrier.

The steel required for MUGEM is being produced at Erdemir’s plate rolling mill using iron ore as the primary raw material. Throughout the production process, the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the steel are subjected to rigorous testing. The plates are designed to offer high strength, impact toughness, weldability, and formability—key characteristics essential for modern military shipbuilding and compliance with demanding naval standards.

According to data released by the Milli Savunma Bakanlığı, the National Aircraft Carrier will be larger than TCG Anadolu, currently the largest warship in the Turkish Navy. Once completed, the project aims to position Türkiye among a select group of countries capable of designing and building aircraft carriers with a displacement of 60,000 tons or more using their own national resources, potentially making Türkiye the fifth country worldwide with this capability.

Supported by domestically produced steel, the MUGEM Project represents a major milestone not only for Turkish naval power but also for the broader defense industry ecosystem and the country’s long-term technological independence.