In a significant advancement for its naval capabilities, Türkiye has officially launched its first New Type Landing Ship (YLCT), designated C-159, at the Anadolu Shipyard in Istanbul. This milestone, reached in early 2024, reflects a strategic initiative led by the Presidency of Defense Industries, with plans to enhance the Turkish Navy’s amphibious capabilities by introducing a total of eight sophisticated vessels. The YLCT class is engineered not only for military logistics but also for potential humanitarian missions, representing a dual-purpose approach that emphasises versatility in naval operations.
The C-159 was launched just ten months after the contract was signed in April 2024, showcasing an impressive timeline for production and development. The remaining seven vessels of the YLCT class are scheduled for delivery within an ambitious timeframe of 27 months. This swift rollout is indicative of Türkiye’s increasing commitment to modernizing its naval fleet and improving operational readiness.
Over the past two decades, Türkiye has made remarkable strides in increasing the domestic production rate of its naval platforms, soaring from 20% to an impressive 80%. This remarkable growth positions Türkiye among a select group of nations with the capability to design, build, and maintain a comprehensive range of military vessels. This includes not only amphibious assault ships but also support vessels, combat ships, and submarines. The enhancement of domestic shipbuilding underscores Türkiye’s evolving maritime ambitions and reinforces its commitment to enhancing force projection capabilities.
Exporting military technology has also become a cornerstone of Türkiye’s naval strategy. The country has successfully delivered warships to diverse nations, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Qatar. A particularly noteworthy achievement was the agreement signed in late 2024 with Portugal, marking Türkiye’s first military ship sale to a NATO and EU member state. This milestone highlights Tunisia’s growing influence and recognition within the global defense market.
Now, turning our focus back to the YLCT C-159, this vessel is poised to revolutionize the Turkish Navy’s operational capacity. With a length of approximately 73 to 80 meters and a beam ranging from 12 to 13 meters, along with a draft between 1 and 2.35 meters, the C-159 is built for high-speed transport and amphibious operations. At full load, it displaces between 805 and 1,155 tons, and can achieve speeds exceeding 20 knots, complemented by an operational range of over 400 nautical miles. Such specifications are critical for ensuring the ship can effectively operate in diverse maritime environments, whether for combat or humanitarian purposes.
The cargo capacity of the C-159 is another remarkable feature. The vessel boasts a spacious cargo deck of approximately 420 square meters, allowing it to carry upwards of 200 tons of equipment. This includes the capability to transport up to seven main battle tanks or 17 trucks, enhancing its operational versatility. It is further equipped with self-defense systems likely comprising two 25mm stabilized guns and two 12.7mm machine guns, ensuring it can protect itself while executing its missions. Advanced navigation and communication systems have been integrated into the ship, ensuring effective operation and coordination in complex maritime scenarios.
Overall, the YLCT C-159 represents a significant leap forward in Türkiye’s naval capabilities, strengthening its military prowess while simultaneously enhancing its ability to respond to humanitarian crises. With its modern design and multifaceted functionalities, the C-159 is positioned to make a lasting impact on the Turkish Navy’s operational landscape.
