The MILGEM Program represents a structural transformation in Türkiye’s naval procurement doctrine, transitioning from foreign-dependent acquisition to full-spectrum indigenous warship design, construction, systems integration, and combat management capability.

The first phase, the Ada-Class corvettes, was primarily designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) missions while maintaining multi-role operational flexibility. These ships are optimized for operations in semi-enclosed and contested maritime environments such as the Eastern Mediterranean, Aegean Sea, and Black Sea.

Operational Purpose and Doctrine

Ada-Class corvettes are designed to:

• Detect and neutralize submarine threats
• Protect naval task groups
• Secure sea lines of communication
• Conduct maritime surveillance and reconnaissance
• Counter asymmetric and hybrid maritime threats

The platform operates within a network-centric warfare doctrine, integrating sensors, command systems, and weapon systems through a unified combat management architecture.

Platform Architecture

MILGEM’s architecture is built on three primary layers:

Sensor Layer

• 3D air and surface search radar
• Hull-mounted sonar system
• Electro-optical surveillance systems
• Electronic Support Measures (ESM)

Combat Management and Command & Control

The Ada-Class utilizes the indigenous GENESIS-derived Combat Management System, developed by HAVELSAN. This system performs sensor fusion, threat evaluation, engagement planning, and weapon assignment in an integrated digital environment.

Effector Layer

• 76 mm naval main gun
• 8-cell anti-ship missile system
• Close-in air defense system (RAM/CIWS configuration)
• Lightweight torpedo launchers
• Stabilized remote weapon systems

Survivability and Stealth

The Ada-Class incorporates reduced radar cross-section (RCS) geometry with inclined surfaces. Infrared signature reduction, shock resistance, compartmentalized hull structure, and NBC protection increase survivability. Integrated electronic warfare systems provide soft-kill and countermeasure capability.

Engagement Cycle and Reaction Capability

The combat system automates the detection–classification–tracking–engagement cycle. While exact simultaneous engagement capacity is not publicly disclosed, the ship supports multi-target tracking and layered response.

Industrial Ecosystem and Indigenous Content

The MILGEM project achieved approximately 70–80% indigenous content depending on subsystem classification. Major contributors include:

• Combat electronics and radar: ASELSAN
• Combat management system: HAVELSAN
• Platform design and integration: STM
• Ship construction: Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command

The program laid the foundation for follow-on platforms such as the I-Class Frigate.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Displacement

• Length: approx. 99–100 meters
• Beam: approx. 14 meters
• Displacement: approx. 2,300–2,400 tons

Propulsion System

• CODAG configuration
• Diesel engines + gas turbine
• Maximum speed: over 29 knots
• Range: approx. 3,500 nautical miles (at economic speed)

Sensor Systems

• 3D air/surface surveillance radar
• Fire control radar
• Hull-mounted sonar
• Electro-optical tracking system
• Electronic warfare suite

Armament

• 76 mm naval gun
• 8 anti-ship missiles
• RAM or CIWS close-in defense
• 324 mm lightweight torpedo launchers

Aviation Capability

• Flight deck and hangar
• Compatible with S-70B Seahawk-class helicopters

Command and Data Links

• Integrated combat management system
• Link-11 / Link-16 tactical data link capability (publicly disclosed level)

Crew

• Approximately 90–100 personnel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MILGEM Project designed for?

• Primarily Anti-Submarine Warfare, but capable of multi-role operations including surface warfare, air defense, and maritime security missions.

What is the operational range?

• Approximately 3,500 nautical miles at cruising speed.

What types of threats can it counter?

• Submarines, surface combatants, low-altitude air threats, and asymmetric maritime threats.

How many targets can it track simultaneously?

• Exact numbers are not publicly disclosed. However, its 3D radar and integrated combat system support multi-target tracking and engagement management.

Is it a blue-water capable platform?

• Yes. It is designed for open-sea operations as well as littoral environments.

What are its main international equivalents?

• Comparable to modern European light corvette programs, though distinguished by its high indigenous combat system integration.

Sources

• STM official program publications
• ASELSAN MILGEM Combat System documentation
• HAVELSAN GENESIS Combat Management System materials
• Turkish Navy publicly available fleet information