First Turkish MILGEM begins sea trials

The first of a new class of up to 12 MILGEM (Milli Gemi/National Ship) corvettes for the Turkish Naval Forces began platform sea trials from Istanbul Naval Shipyard on 2 November.

Combat system setting to work on board TCG Heybeliada is scheduled to take place in early 2011. Following trials, the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) expects the vessel to be ready for preliminary acceptance in the third quarter of 2011.

At 99 m in length and displacing about 2,000 tons, the MILGEM design is intended to meet the naval forces' requirement for an offshore patrol combatant able to conduct patrol, surveillance, interdiction and anti-submarine warfare missions. The programme is also seen as a keystone in Turkey's efforts to grow its indigenous capability in the design, build and integration of complex naval vessels.