Turkish intelligence-gathering ship initiates sea trials

Sea acceptance tests have been initiated for the Turkish Navy’s first dedicated intelligence-gathering ship. The ‘Ufuk’ (A 591) was observed sailing in the Gulf of Izmit on 18 July.

The new ship was designed by STM and built at Istanbul Shipyard under a contract awarded in 2017. The vessel was laid down in 2018

‘Ufuk’ is derived from the MilGem (Ada-class) corvette design, but features a different main propulsion system and changes to the superstructure.

It features the same hull dimensions as the Ada class, with an overall length of 99 m, a beam of 14.1 m and a draught of 3.6 m. However, ‘Ufuk’ is expected to be at least 100 tonnes heavier than the Ada corvettes at around 2,400 tonnes.

Unlike the Ada class, the intelligence-gathering ship has no hangar or armament – although it is equipped with a flight deck to support a 10-tonne helicopter and will be equipped with some small calibre machine guns for self-protection (although these have not yet been installed).

Other changes include the addition of an all-diesel main propulsion system, whereas the Ada-class corvettes have combined gas turbine and diesel engines. The top speed of ‘Ufuk’ is more than 18 kt, which is considerably slower than the 29 kt top speed of the Ada-class corvettes.

The ship’s main mission systems are being supplied by Aselsan.

By Cem Devrim Yaylali

Source: janes.com

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