TCG Karadeniz (F-520), built under STM prime contractor at Sedef Shipyard, was launched as the sixth vessel of the Istif-class frigate within the MİLGEM program. The vessel represents a significant milestone in the development of Turkish naval defense capabilities.

The MİLGEM program, executed through the partnership of STM and TAIS Shipyard, serves as a strategic platform for Turkish defense industry. Istif-class frigates are designed with fully electric propulsion, modular architecture, and advanced communications infrastructure, representing a modern warship class to NATO standards. TCG Istanbul (F-515) remains actively deployed, while TCG Izmir (F-516) continues sea trials. TCG Izmit (F-517), TCG Icel (F-518), and TCG Akdeniz (F-519) have been launched. Construction of TCG Ege (F-521) and TCG Marmara (F-522) is ongoing.

The 80 percent indigenous content rate of TCG Karadeniz represents a significant achievement for Turkish defense industry. The target localization ratio of 75 percent set for TCG Istanbul has been exceeded, reaching 80 percent. This development demonstrates Turkey's progress toward independence in shipbuilding technology. Domestic manufacturers and suppliers participating in the MİLGEM program hold two-thirds of the contract volume. The Istif-class frigate project involves more than 150 systems supplied by approximately 80 sub-contractors, with a total of 220 different companies participating in the project ecosystem.

Sensors and weapon systems installed on the vessels are developed entirely domestically. The Goekdeniz close-in air defense system, Cenk-S three-dimensional search radar, Akrep fire control radar, Midlas vertical launch system, and Hisar-D are among the indigenous solutions integrated into the ship systems. Illumination radar, torpedo tubes, and various components of the main propulsion system are also developed under localization initiatives. This approach significantly increases the indigenous content ratio of systems and subsystems installed on the ship platform.

In the global naval defense sector, Istif-class frigates hold a competitive position when compared with similar-class vessels. When benchmarked against European FREMM-class frigates and modern frigate designs in the Asia-Pacific region, TCG Karadeniz and class vessels offer NATO-standard sensor and weapon integration. Under the contract signed in 2023, Anadolu, Sedef, and Sefine Shipyards are each planned to construct one Istif-class frigate within 36 months in parallel. This production model demonstrates Turkish shipyard capacity and coordination capability.