The Barbaros-class frigates, representing the most modern class in the Turkish Navy, are based on the German MEKO TN-200 Track II design. The first and third ships of this class, TCG BARBAROS and TCG SALIHREIS, were built at the Blohm-Voss shipyard in Germany, while the second and fourth ships, TCG ORUÇREİS and TCG KEMALREİS, were constructed at the Gölcük Shipyard in Turkey. Introduced into service between 1997 and 2000, these frigates are an improved, enlarged version of the Yavuz-class with enhancements addressing previous shortcomings. Unlike the Yavuz-class, the Barbaros-class uses a CODAG engine system, combining gas turbines and diesel engines for higher speed capabilities. The class has undergone extensive modernization, including the replacement of Mk-29 Sea Sparrow launchers with Mk-41 VLS systems and updating radar systems with ASELSAN's Smart-S 3D search radar. The last two ships of the class were built with 16 VLS cells each.

Barbaros-Class Frigate Mid-Life Modernization (MLU) Project

• Project Initiation: Started in 2017 by the Turkish Naval Forces Command to extend the effective and modern use of the Barbaros-class.
• Scope of Modernization: Updating combat management systems, close air defense systems, radars, sensors with domestically developed weapons and systems.
• First Modernized Ship: (F-245) TCG ORUÇREİS, with modernization processes commencing at Gölcük Shipyard in January 2022.
• Duration per Ship: 16 months for modernization (4 months disassembly, 4 months integration, 8 months testing).
• Weight Increase: An additional 200 tons after modernization.

Modernization Components

• Weapon Systems: Replacement of Sea Zenith CIWS and Phalanx with ASELSAN's Gökdeniz CIWS and STOP systems, addition of Atmaca anti-ship missiles.
• Radar and Sensors: Implementation of ASELSAN's SMART-S Mk2 3BAR National IFF Mod-5 System, FERSAH Sonar System, and other advanced electronic warfare and detection systems.
• Combat Management System: Replacement of TACTICOS with ASELSAN & Havelsan's domestically developed B-SYS.
• Other Systems: AKR-D fire control radar, Mar-D radar, ROKETSAN Yalman Weapon Towers, electro-optic sensors.

Characteristics of the Barbaros-Class

• Length: 118 meters
• Width: 14.8 meters
• Draft: 4.3 meters
• Displacement: 3100 tons standard, 3380 tons full load
• Crew: 194
• Main Propulsion: 2 General Electric Gas Turbine engines (60,000 hp), 2 MTU diesel engines (13,060 hp)
• Maximum Speed: 32 knots
• Maximum Range: 4100 nautical miles at 18 knots
• Helicopter Capacity: AB-212 or S-70B SeaHawk

Weapon Systems

• Main Gun: 127 mm Mark-45
• Anti-Ship Missiles: Harpoon and Atmaca
• Air Defense Missiles: ESSM, equipped with Mk-41 VLS systems
• CIWS Systems: 25mm Sea Zenith CIWS (to be replaced with ASELSAN's Gökdeniz CIWS and STOP)

These modernizations aim to enhance the operational capabilities of the Barbaros-class frigates, aligning them with the future needs of the Turkish Navy.