Turkey plans to build the first domestic aircraft carrier, a project of which has been developed over ten years, the Sabah newspaper reported.
The project, named the Landing Platform Dock (LPD), entails the construction of a 220-meter-long military base on the water and is expected to cost $3 billion. However, since the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) currently do not have any planes that are capable of vertical take-off and landing, the project will initially be used as a helicopter ship. The first Turkish-made aircraft carrier will reportedly be modeled on the Juan Carlos I (L-61) belonging to Spain, which visited İstanbul last year.
Turkey's first national aircraft carrier is expected to be equipped with a system that enables non-stop sailing for 30 days and 1,700 nautical miles. Its hangar and elevator systems will be constructed compatible with the JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) planes which can take off and land vertically that Turkey will acquire in the coming years. It will also be able to carry up to 100 tracked military vehicles. In the pool section of the aircraft carrier, two LCAC (landing craft air cushion) hovercraft boats will be located.