Türkiye launched its first aircraft carrier on Monday, aiming to extend its drone capabilities from land-based to naval operations amid increased regional tensions as war rages in Ukraine on the other side of the Black Sea.
The TCG Anadolu can handle only light aircraft, chiefly helicopters and jets that can take off from shorter runways. It is 232 meters long and 32 meters wide, and can carry some 1,400 personnel - one battalion of soldiers - combat vehicles and support units to operate overseas.
"This vessel will allow us to conduct military and humanitarian operations in every corner of the world, when needed," President Tayyip Erdoğan said at the launch ceremony in Istanbul. "We see this vessel as a symbol that will consolidate Türkiye's regional leadership position," he said.
The amphibious assault ship was built in Istanbul's Sedef Shipyard by a Turkish-Spanish consortium, based on the design of Spanish light aircraft carrier Juan Carlos I.
In addition to helicopters, Türkiye plans to deploy on the new carrier Bayraktar TB3 and Kizilelma unmanned aerial combat vehicles - both under production by Turkish defence firm Baykar - as well as Hürjet light attack aircraft being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
TCG Anadolu will be the world's first aircraft carrier whose fleet is made up mostly of armed drones once the plan is implemented.
In the nearly 14-month Ukraine war, Türkiye has positioned itself as an intermediary between Kyiv and Moscow, helping to broker with the United Nations a deal allowing for the safe export of grain from Ukrainian ports via the Black Sea.