The MILGEM Project is Turkey’s flagship national warship development program, launched to achieve full independence in naval defense technologies. Its purpose is to design and build modern, high-tech combat ships capable of performing reconnaissance, patrol, surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and intelligence missions—all with locally developed systems. The Ada-class corvettes and the subsequent I-class frigates produced within the project have significantly enhanced the operational strength of the Turkish Navy, positioning Turkey among the countries capable of designing and constructing advanced naval platforms. With indigenous radar, sonar, command-and-control systems and national weapon integration, MILGEM represents the most concrete step toward Turkey’s naval independence vision.

Technically, MILGEM vessels stand out with their low-radar-signature hull design, modern combat management system and advanced sensor integration. While the Ada-class focuses on coastal and medium-range missions with strong anti-submarine capabilities, the I-class frigates offer extended-range air defense, surface strike capacity and a broader mission set thanks to their enhanced size and weapon systems. The project has also achieved major export success, strengthening Turkey’s position in the global defense market. Today, MILGEM platforms are recognized as some of the most modern and strategically valuable assets of the Turkish Navy.