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G-class frigate
G-class frigate
G-class frigate
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TCG Göksu (F-497) in the Mediterranean Sea on August 21, 2023. The G-class frigates are equipped with the GENESIS combat management system, SMART-S Mk2 3D radar and Mk. 41 VLS, which has been installed in front of the Mk. 13 GMLS.
Class overview
NameG class
Operators Turkish Navy
Preceded byN/A
Succeeded byYavuz class
SubclassesOliver Hazard Perry class
Built1979-1981
In commission1997-present
Planned8
Completed8
Active8
General characteristics
TypeFrigate
Displacement4,100 long tons (4,166 t) full load
Length135.6 m (444 ft 11 in)
Beam13.7 m (44 ft 11 in)
Draught6.7 m (22 ft 0 in)
Propulsion
Speed30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Range5,000 nmi (9,300 km) at 18 kn (33 km/h)
Complement222 (19 officers, 203 men)
Sensors &
processing systems
  • Combat Management System: GENESIS (Gemi Entegre Savaş İdare Sistemi)[1]
  • Search radar: SMART-S Mk2[2]
Armament
Aircraft carried1 × S-70B Seahawk or AB-212 (ASW/ASuW/EW)

The G class (Turkish: Gabya sınıfı fırkateyn(ler)) is one of the frigate classes of the Turkish Navy. They are extensively modernized versions of ex-Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigates of the US Navy, mainly designed for air defense with a weapons configuration that is optimized for general warfare.

Modernization

[edit]

The G-class frigates have undergone a major modernization program which included the retrofitting of a Turkish digital combat management system named GENESIS (Gemi Entegre Savaş İdare Sistemi).[5] The system was designed and implemented jointly by the Turkish Navy and HAVELSAN, a Turkish electronic hardware systems and software company.[6] The first GENESIS upgraded ship was delivered in 2007, and the last delivery is scheduled for 2011.[7][8]

The GENESIS advanced combat management system includes the following characteristics and abilities:[9]

  • A modern and reliable system
  • High performance
  • Open architecture
  • Capacity of tracking more than 1,000 tactical targets
  • Modern digital sensor data fusion
  • Automatic threat evaluation
  • Weapon engagement opportunities
  • Link-16/22 system integration

The modernization program also includes:

The Mk-41 vertical launching system (VLS) has been fitted in front of the Mk.13 launcher, similar to their installation on the Adelaide-class frigates of the Royal Australian Navy, which are Australian-built derivatives of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates. TCG Gediz became the first ship in the class to receive the Mk 41 VLS installation.[3]

The "short hull" ex-Perry class frigates that are currently being operated by the Turkish Navy were modified with the ASIST landing platform system at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, so that they can accommodate the S-70B Seahawk helicopter.[citation needed]

Ships

[edit]

In addition, the ex-USS Duncan (FFG-10) was sold to the Turkish Navy as a parts hulk.[citation needed]

See also

[edit]

Equivalent frigates of the same era

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

G-class frigate

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The G-class frigate, also designated as the Gabya class (Turkish: Gabya sınıfı fırkateynler), is a fleet of eight guided-missile serving in the , derived from extensively modernized ex-U.S. Navy Oliver Hazard Perry-class vessels acquired between 1997 and 2003. These multimission warships, with a displacement of approximately 4,100 tons and a length of 135.6 meters, are designed primarily for anti-air warfare, anti-submarine operations, and surface combat, achieving speeds exceeding 29 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles. Each frigate supports a crew of 181 and accommodates two helicopters, such as the AB-212 or S-70B Seahawk, for enhanced maritime surveillance and attack capabilities. Originally commissioned in the U.S. Navy during the late 1970s and 1980s, the ships were transferred to Turkey under military aid programs to bolster NATO's southern flank, with the first arriving as TCG Gemlik (F-492) in 1997 and the last, TCG Göksu (F-497), in 2003. From 2007 to 2012 (with some upgrades continuing to 2014), all eight underwent a comprehensive modernization under Project GENESIS, led by Turkish firms ARMERKOM and HAVELSAN, which integrated indigenous combat management systems, upgraded sensors, and expanded armament options to extend their service life into the 2030s. Key enhancements include the installation of the SMART-S Mk2 3D air search radar on select vessels, an 8-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS) installed on four vessels and capable of deploying up to 32 RIM-162 ESSM surface-to-air missiles alongside retained RIM-66 SM-1MR missiles via the Mk 13 launcher, RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles (soon to be replaced), a 76 mm Mk 75 main gun, Mk 15 Phalanx close-in weapon systems, and Mk 32 triple torpedo tubes for Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes. The frigates have participated in numerous NATO operations, including patrols in the Mediterranean and , demonstrating interoperability with allied forces through systems like Link-11 and Link-16 data links. As of 2025, ongoing upgrades include the integration of the indigenous —featuring a 250 km range, 220 kg warhead, and advanced guidance resistant to GNSS denial—slated for full deployment across four Gabya-class ships by the first quarter of 2027, further enhancing their strike capabilities against surface threats. Additionally, the transition to the is underway to enable , ensuring the class remains a cornerstone of Turkey's naval defense strategy amid regional tensions.

Background

Origins and acquisition

The G-class frigates of the Turkish Navy originated as eight decommissioned Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigates transferred from the under the (FMS) program, beginning in the late 1990s. These vessels, designed primarily for with secondary air defense roles, were selected to augment Turkey's surface fleet as part of broader naval enhancements. The acquisition process commenced with the transfer of the first ship, TCG (ex-USS , FFG-16), on 27 August 1997, followed by its commissioning into Turkish service on 24 July 1998. Subsequent transfers included TCG (ex-USS Flatley, FFG-21) in 1997, TCG (ex-USS Antrim, FFG-20) and TCG (ex-USS , FFG-30) in 1998–1999, TCG Gökçeada (ex-USS Mahlon S. Tisdale, FFG-27) in 1999, TCG Gediz (ex-USS John A. Moore, FFG-19) in 2000, TCG Gökova (ex-USS , FFG-13) in 2002, and finally TCG Göksu (ex-USS Estocin, FFG-15) in 2003. The last vessel, TCG Göksu, was decommissioned by the U.S. Navy on 3 April 2003 before entering Turkish service later that year. This procurement was driven by Turkey's strategic need to bolster its and air defense capabilities amid commitments in the post-Cold War period, when the alliance shifted focus toward regional stability in the Mediterranean and . The transfers supported Turkey's ongoing naval modernization to maintain interoperability with forces and address evolving threats following the Soviet Union's dissolution. The ships were delivered in "as-is" condition from U.S. reserve status, necessitating refurbishment at Turkish naval facilities, including the Gölcük Naval Shipyard, to restore operational readiness prior to full integration into the fleet. This process involved initial repairs and adaptations to align with Turkish operational requirements, setting the stage for later indigenous upgrades.

Role in Turkish Navy

The G-class frigates serve as multi-mission platforms within the Turkish Navy, capable of conducting (ASW), anti-air warfare (AAW), (ASuW), and maritime interdiction operations across key theaters such as the , , and . These vessels provide versatile surface combat capabilities, leveraging their modernized systems for air defense, subsurface threat neutralization, and surface engagements, thereby supporting Turkey's objectives in contested regional waters. Comprising eight ships, the G-class forms a core element of Turkey's frigate fleet, operating alongside newer classes like the Barbaros and the forthcoming TF-2000 destroyers to deliver balanced naval . Each maintains a standard complement of 181 personnel, including 21 officers, 99 petty officers, 13 specialists, and 48 enlisted sailors, enabling sustained operations in diverse mission profiles. This integration enhances the navy's overall readiness, with the G-class handling routine patrols and escalation responses while complementing more advanced platforms. The frigates bolster NATO interoperability through advanced data links such as Link-16 and Link-22, as well as compatibility with alliance-standard munitions like the missile, allowing seamless participation in multinational exercises and operations. Turkish G-class ships have contributed to 's Standing Naval Forces, counter-piracy patrols in the and , and drills such as Dynamic Manta, thereby strengthening Turkey's role in collective defense and regional stability efforts. Economically, the G-class exemplifies cost-effective , with modernization programs extending their into the 2030s at a fraction of the cost of new construction, while fostering growth in Turkey's indigenous defense sector through involvement of local firms like . This approach has sustained operational capabilities without straining budgets, supporting broader naval expansion goals.

Design and specifications

Hull and propulsion

The G-class frigates, derived from the Oliver Hazard Perry-class design, feature a steel hull optimized for multi-role operations in blue-water environments. The hull measures 135.6 meters in length, with a beam of 13.7 meters and a draught of 8.5 meters at full load, resulting in a displacement of 4,100 long tons. This configuration provides a stable platform for extended patrols, balancing speed and endurance while maintaining the original Perry-class structural integrity. Propulsion is provided by two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, delivering a combined output of 41,000 shaft horsepower to a single shaft equipped with a five-bladed variable-pitch . For enhanced maneuverability in confined waters, the vessels incorporate two retractable electric azimuth bow thrusters, each rated at 350 horsepower. These systems enable a maximum speed exceeding 29 knots and an operational range of 4,500 nautical miles at 20 knots, supporting the Turkish Navy's requirements for rapid response and sustained presence. Turkish adaptations to the baseline design include minor structural enhancements, such as the integration of an ASIST (Automated Shipboard Integrated Stabilization and Traverse) landing platform system on the to facilitate safer and more reliable operations for S-70B Seahawk helicopters. Despite these modifications, the core steel hull retains the robust, modular construction of the Perry-class, ensuring durability in diverse maritime conditions without significant alterations to the original form.

Sensors and electronics

The G-class frigates, derived from the Oliver Hazard Perry-class design, feature a suite of sensors and electronics optimized for multi-role operations including air and surface surveillance, (ASW), and electronic warfare (EW) support. These systems integrate detection capabilities with fire control and command functions to enable threat identification and response in contested maritime environments. Primary radar systems include the AN/SPS-49(V)8 air search , which provides long-range detection of aircraft and missiles up to 250 nautical miles, and the AN/SPS-55 surface search for tracking ships and low-altitude threats at shorter ranges. Select vessels have been upgraded with the Thales SMART-S Mk2 3D , enhancing multi-target tracking and air defense capabilities through improved resolution and electronic scanning. The sonar suite centers on the AN/SQS-56 hull-mounted active/passive for medium-range ASW detection, complemented by the AN/SQR-19 towed array for extended passive listening against submarines, and a new long-range added during the GENESIS upgrade. These systems feed into the integrated ASW suite, which processes acoustic data for target classification and localization. Fire control is handled by the Mk 92 Mod 1 radar-guided system, which directs surface-to-air missiles and the ship's gun with precise tracking for engaging aerial and surface targets. Electronic warfare capabilities are provided by the AN/SLQ-32(V)2 suite, offering warning, electronic countermeasures, and across multiple bands. Supporting systems include the Mk 36 Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Countermeasures (SRBOC) for and infrared flares, and the towed torpedo for acoustic deception. Command and control are managed by the indigenous GENESIS combat management system, which digitally integrates sensors and weapons for network-centric operations, including NATO-compatible Link-16 and Link-22 data links for enhanced in coalition operations.

Armament and capabilities

Primary weapons

The primary offensive capability of the G-class (Gabya-class) frigates is provided by their surface-to-air and systems, centered around the Mk 13 Mod 4 single-arm launcher capable of holding up to 40 rounds in its magazine. This launcher deploys up to 40 RIM-66C SM-1MR Standard missiles for anti-air warfare (AAW), offering medium-range air defense against aircraft and missiles with a range of approximately 110 km. Complementing this are 8 RGM-84L Harpoon (ASuW) launched from two quad canister launchers, providing over-the-horizon strike capability with a range exceeding 120 km. Four vessels are equipped with an 8-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS) capable of deploying up to 32 surface-to-air missiles, quad-packed (four per cell), enhancing short-to-medium range AAW capabilities. Recent enhancements include the integration of the indigenous Atmaca , which began in 2025 to replace the aging system and extend ASuW reach to 250 km using inertial navigation, GPS, and guidance. The Atmaca's commissioning on select G-class vessels marks a step toward greater indigenous armament, with four ships slated for full operational capability by early 2027, launched via adapted canister systems. The original Mk 13 configuration limits total missile capacity to 40 rounds without VLS, prioritizing a balance between AAW and ASuW loads. For surface engagement and close defense, the frigates mount a single Mk 75 76 mm/62-caliber forward, capable of firing 120 rounds per minute at ranges up to 16 km against ships, aircraft, or shore targets. Close-in weapon systems include one Mk 15 Phalanx 20 mm CIWS mount, with a six-barrel delivering 4,500 rounds per minute for point defense against incoming missiles and small boats within 2 km. Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) armament consists of two triple Mk 32 surface-launched tubes, accommodating up to six Mk 46 or Mk 54 lightweight with a range of 11 km and active/passive homing for engaging submerged threats.

Aviation and support systems

The G-class frigates feature dedicated facilities comprising a and an aft designed to support up to two medium-lift helicopters, although operations typically involve a single to optimize space and maintenance. These platforms primarily embark the Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk or Agusta-Bell AB-212 ASW helicopters, which perform roles including dipping for submarine detection and deployment of against underwater threats. As part of their modernization efforts, the flight decks on G-class vessels were extended, and the ASIST (Aircraft Ship Integrated Secure and Traverse) recovery system was installed at the Naval Shipyard to facilitate secure landings and traversals in adverse weather and high sea states, particularly enhancing compatibility with the heavier S-70B Seahawk. To bolster defensive capabilities during aviation and multi-role operations, the frigates are equipped with the Mk 36 Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Countermeasures (SRBOC) system, which launches and infrared decoy flares to counter incoming missiles, alongside the towed acoustic decoy for diverting torpedoes away from the ship. Supporting these functions, the G-class maintains a complement of 181 personnel, encompassing aircrew and aviation support staff, with provisions including sufficient fuel and stores for extended patrols up to 4,500 nautical miles at 20 knots.

Modernization

GENESIS upgrade

The GENESİS (Gemi Entegre Savaş İdare Sistemi), or Ship Integrated Combat Management System, represents the cornerstone of the mid-life modernization program for the Turkish Navy's G-class frigates, replacing their outdated combat management systems with an indigenous digital solution developed in collaboration between the Turkish Naval Forces Research Center Command (ARMERKOM) and HAVELSAN. Initiated in 1999 following feasibility studies on the aging Oliver Hazard Perry-class platforms, the project aimed to enhance situational awareness, automate decision-making, and ensure NATO interoperability without requiring full hull replacements. The system integrates sensors, weapons, and communication links into a unified network-centric architecture, marking a significant step in Turkey's defense indigenization efforts. Key features of GENESİS include advanced automatic target detection and tracking, data fusion from multiple sensors, and support for network-enabled operations through integration with tactical data links such as Link-11 and Link-16 for real-time information sharing with allied forces. Its modular software architecture allows for seamless incorporation of future upgrades, including enhanced radar feeds and weapon controls, while maintaining compatibility with legacy U.S.-sourced electronics like the AN/SPS-49 air search radar. The system processes reconnaissance, surveillance, detection, tracking, and classification functions in dynamic maritime environments, enabling operators to manage complex threats efficiently from a centralized console. Implementation began with prototype testing from 1999 to 2004, culminating in the upgrade of the first vessel, TCG Gemlik (F-492), which was completed and redelivered to the fleet in May 2007 after a 10-month refit at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard. Subsequent ships underwent modernization during routine overhauls, with each process taking approximately six months; the full fleet of eight G-class frigates achieved operational status by 2012. This upgrade extended the vessels' service life by an estimated 15 to 20 years, allowing them to remain viable multi-mission platforms into the 2030s. Challenges during integration arose primarily from interfacing the new digital CMS with the frigates' legacy U.S. systems, necessitating custom software adapters and extensive validation to avoid compatibility issues. HAVELSAN engineers addressed these through iterative testing, including simulated anti-submarine warfare (ASW) scenarios to verify sensor fusion and weapon response times under stress. The project's total cost for the GENESİS CMS across the fleet was approximately $320 million, based on a per-ship market value of around $40 million in 2017 dollars, though broader modernization elements contributed to higher overall expenditures.

Later enhancements

Following the foundational GENESIS combat management system upgrade, the G-class frigates underwent further hardware enhancements starting in 2011 to bolster anti-air and anti-surface warfare capabilities. A key development was the integration of the Mk 41 Mod 0 vertical launch system (VLS), featuring 8-cell configurations capable of deploying RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSM) for enhanced point defense against aerial threats. This system was first installed on TCG Gediz (F-495) during 2012–2014, positioned forward of the existing Mk 13 missile launcher, and by 2025, it had been retrofitted onto four vessels: TCG Gediz (F-495), TCG Gökova (F-496), TCG Göksu (F-497), and TCG Giresun (F-491). Sensor improvements complemented these weapon additions, with select G-class ships receiving upgrades to replace legacy AN/SPS-49 air search radars with the Thales SMART-S Mk2 3D radar. This multibeam, electronically scanned array system provides medium- to long-range surveillance up to 250 km, enabling simultaneous tracking of over 1,000 targets, including low-observable threats, while improving integration with the ESSM via the VLS. In parallel, anti-ship armament is evolving with the adoption of the indigenous Atmaca missile, a turbojet-powered with a 250 km range, designed for over-the-horizon strikes. Integration is underway, with full deployment across four frigates slated by the first quarter of 2027, enhancing precision and compatibility with Turkish-developed fire control systems. As of November 2025, progress includes a successful submarine-launched test of an Atmaca variant in March 2025. Additionally, anti-submarine warfare capabilities were strengthened through compatibility with Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes, allowing launches from existing Mk 32 surface tubes for better countering of modern submarine threats. Looking ahead, ongoing modernization efforts through 2030 focus on countering emerging drone and asymmetric threats, including the installation of advanced electro-optical directors for improved target acquisition in cluttered environments and upgraded decoy launchers to enhance electronic warfare survivability. These enhancements aim to extend the operational life of the G-class into the next decade while aligning with Turkey's push for indigenous defense technologies.

Operational history

Early service

The G-class frigates, acquired from the United States as decommissioned Oliver Hazard Perry-class vessels, began entering service with the Turkish Naval Forces between 1998 and 2003. The lead ship, TCG Gaziantep (F-490, ex-USS Clifton Sprague), was commissioned on July 24, 1998, following its transfer earlier that year. Subsequent vessels followed a similar timeline: TCG Giresun (F-491, ex-USS Antrim) and TCG Gemlik (F-492, ex-USS Flatley) in 1998, TCG Gelibolu (F-493, ex-USS Reid) and TCG Gökçeada (F-494, ex-USS Mahlon S. Tisdale) in 1999, TCG Gediz (F-495, ex-USS John A. Moore) in 2000, TCG Gökova (F-496, ex-USS Samuel Eliot Morison) in 2002, and TCG Göksu (F-497, ex-USS Estocin) in 2003. These transfers were facilitated through U.S. military aid programs, including Excess Defense Articles and Foreign Military Sales agreements, with the U.S. Department of Defense announcing a key sale of additional frigates on November 18, 1998, at an estimated cost of $205 million, including associated training equipment. The commissioning phase emphasized shakedown operations and crew integration, with initial training centered on capabilities. As the ships were delivered in a "cold ship" condition—decommissioned and stripped of major systems—Turkish personnel underwent extensive familiarization under U.S. Navy guidance, which was included in the transfer packages to ensure operational readiness. This assistance focused on ASW tactics and systems integration, conducted primarily in the Aegean Sea to align the vessels with Turkish Navy doctrines for regional defense. By the early 2000s, the frigates were conducting baseline patrols in the Mediterranean, testing their standard configurations for multi-role operations including surface warfare and maritime interdiction. During this period (1998–2010), the G-class participated in NATO multinational exercises to refine ASW proficiency, including Turkish-hosted drills that evaluated the frigates' performance in contested environments. The class also supported early Black Sea operations to promote regional stability. Early operational challenges included adapting the platforms to Turkish crew procedures and integrating local support logistics, necessitating minor refits to enhance compatibility with indigenous munitions and electronics.

Deployments and exercises

G-class frigates have played a significant role in multinational deployments, particularly within frameworks since their modernization. They have contributed to rotations in (SNMG2), providing operational readiness and maritime security in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. For instance, in July 2025, TCG Gelibolu (F-493), one of the most advanced G-class vessels, joined SNMG2 to enhance 's high-readiness naval capabilities amid regional geopolitical dynamics. Additionally, G-class ships have supported Operation Sea Guardian patrols. Amid heightened Turkey-Greece tensions over maritime boundaries from 2020 to 2025, G-class frigates participated in patrols and escort operations in the Eastern Mediterranean to safeguard Turkish interests, including energy exploration vessels. These activities underscored the class's role in deterrence and presence projection without escalating to direct confrontations. In counter-piracy efforts, Turkish G-class ships have supported EU Naval Force operations; for example, frigates like TCG Gediz contributed to EUNAVFOR Atalanta missions in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, focusing on vessel protection and regional stability. TCG Gediz served as lead ship in NATO's Operation Ocean Shield in October 2015. G-class vessels have also engaged in exercises such as NATO's Dynamic Manta, honing skills among Allied navies. Notable non-combat incidents highlight the operational demands on G-class frigates, with no losses recorded in engagements. They have been instrumental in humanitarian migrant interdiction, rescuing hundreds in the Aegean and Mediterranean; TCG Gediz, for instance, saved 80 irregular migrants off Libya in July 2021 during a routine patrol. Overall, Turkish naval assets, including G-class ships, have contributed to over thousands of such rescues since 2015, often in coordination with coast guard units. In recent activities, the integration of the indigenous Atmaca anti-ship missile advanced in 2025, with G-class frigates conducting live-fire tests during the Seawolf-II exercise in May, marking the first surface-launched firings from naval platforms. These tests off the Turkish coast validated enhanced strike capabilities without reported issues.

Ships

Inventory

The G-class frigates form a key component of the Turkish Navy's surface fleet, consisting of eight Oliver Hazard Perry-class vessels acquired from the United States between 1997 and 2003, following their decommissioning from U.S. service. These ships underwent extensive modernization in Turkey before commissioning, enhancing their capabilities for multi-role operations. The complete inventory is detailed in the table below.
PennantTurkish NameFormer U.S. NameU.S. HullTurkish Commissioning Date
F-490TCG GaziantepUSS Clifton SpragueFFG-161998
F-491TCG GiresunUSS AntrimFFG-201998
F-492TCG GemlikUSS FlatleyFFG-211997
F-493TCG GeliboluUSS ReidFFG-301999
F-494TCG GökçeadaUSS Mahlon S. TisdaleFFG-271999
F-495TCG GedizUSS John A. MooreFFG-192000
F-496TCG GökovaUSS Samuel Eliot MorisonFFG-132002
F-497TCG GöksuUSS EstocinFFG-152003
All vessels in the class were constructed by United States shipyards, such as in Maine and Todd Pacific Shipyards in California, with original U.S. Navy commissioning occurring between 1980 and 1983. In support of fleet maintenance, the ex-USS Duncan (FFG-10) was transferred to Turkey on May 4, 1999, and has served as a parts hulk for cannibalization of spare components since that time.

Status and future

As of 2025, all eight G-class frigates remain in active service with the Turkish Navy, forming a key component of its surface fleet. Four vessels—TCG Gediz (F-495), TCG Giresun (F-491), TCG Gemlik (F-492), and TCG Gelibolu (F-493)—feature full vertical launch systems (VLS) with eight Mk 41 cells capable of deploying up to 32 missiles via quad-pack canisters, stemming from the GENESIS modernization program, while the remaining four have undergone phased upgrades without VLS integration. These ships demonstrate high operational readiness for commitments, exemplified by TCG Gelibolu's 2025 deployment to NATO's Standing Maritime Group 2 in the Mediterranean. The frigates undergo rotational maintenance and overhauls at Gölcük Naval Shipyard, the Turkish Navy's primary facility for warship sustainment on the , which supports depot-level repairs and upgrades to maintain fleet availability. Despite averaging over 40 years in service since their original commissioning in the 1980s, their operational lifespan has been extended through successive modernizations, including combat management systems and sensor enhancements. Looking ahead, the G-class is projected to remain operational until 2030–2035, bolstered by planned integration of indigenous Atmaca anti-ship missiles on four upgraded hulls by 2027, which will increase missile range to 250 km and extend service by at least a decade. They are slated for replacement by the TF-2000 air defense destroyers, an indigenous program with construction starting in 2025 to address the class's limitations in range and firepower. No immediate decommissioning is scheduled, allowing the fleet to bridge the transition to newer platforms.

References

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