The Turkish Defense Industry Executive Committee, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has given the green light for the design of an aircraft carrier and the construction of four more I-class frigates, Naval News reported on Thursday.
In a meeting at the presidential palace, the committee discussed the state of the defense industry and set future goals.
Among other things, the committee decided to launch the design of an aircraft carrier and to build a new series of Turkish frigates (MİLGEMs).
A number of initiatives, including new missiles, radars and air defense systems, were also approved.
The country’s first I-class frigate, the TCG İstanbul, is scheduled to enter service soon.
The defense industry’s contribution to the Turkish economy stands at $5.5 billion, a 27 percent increase over the previous year.