Meet the FIRST and ONLY Drone Carrier.

Meet the FIRST and ONLY Drone Carrier.
Unmanned aerial vehicles represent a technological milestone, a significant stride towards modernization within today's armed forces. Despite their numerous capabilities, they have often been relegated to supporting roles. However, the Ukraine-Russia conflict highlighted a pivotal moment in military drone technology, signifying a new era.
One of the most striking indications of this era is the introduction of the world's first drone carrier, the TCG Anadolu. As the largest naval vessel in the Turkish Armed Forces' inventory, it stands at an impressive 761 feet and two inches in length, boasting a beam of 105 feet and a draft of 22 feet and eight inches. Its considerable size is evident in its displacement, weighing 27,079 tonnes when configured as an amphibious assault ship and 24,660 tons when outfitted as a V Stol aircraft carrier. The vessel accommodates a personnel of 261.
The TCG Anadolu is capable of cruising at 21 knots with an impressive range of 10,000 miles at an economical speed of 16 knots. Its design mirrors amphibious assault ships like the U.S. Navy's America class, yet it stands apart with a ski jump ramp, enabling short takeoff and vertical landing STOVL aircraft.
Featuring a streamlined profile typical of amphibious assault ships, the TCG Anadolu's flight deck stretches nearly the entire length of the vessel. Notably, it integrates a ski jump ramp absent in the America class, enhancing its STOVL aircraft capabilities. The starboard side boasts a substantial multi-tiered superstructure housing the commander, bridge, air traffic control, and an array of sensor and defense systems.
This exceptional vessel incorporates the Turkish combat management system, GENESIS-ADVENT, developed by Aselsan and Havelsan, alongside the ARAS-2023 diver detection sonar (DDS). Additionally, the Leonardo SPN-720 Precision Approach Radar ensures aircraft land safely in all weather conditions.
Designed to accommodate diverse equipment and personnel, the TCG Anadolu is equipped for helicopters, fighters, drones, marine troops, and landing crafts. Turkish-made military drones have gained significant recognition, and Turkey aims to bolster this momentum by configuring the Anadolu exclusively for drone operations.
This carrier is capable of accommodating 30 to 50 TB2 or more advanced TB3 Bayraktar drones, alongside turbofan-powered Kiselev Red Apple combat UAV unmanned fighters. With this capacity, it's poised to become the world's first drone-only aircraft carrier by the mid-2020s.
Armed with advanced weaponry such as the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launcher, Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS), and 5 Aselsan STOP Remote-Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS) with 25mm guns, the TCG Anadolu stands as a formidable force.
The full-scale implementation of TCG Anadolu's carrier capability in 2025 will establish the Turkish Navy as a pioneer in a new doctrine of naval aviation.

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Note: "The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."