Turkey on the threshold of a new era: joint aircraft carrier project with Spain strengthens naval potential

On July 3, 2025, Turkey's naval ambitions took a decisive new turn. The Turkish Presidential Defense Industry Agency (SSB) has officially confirmed the launch of a joint project with Spain to develop a 300—meter-long aircraft carrier, a step that could significantly change the balance of power in the region and make Turkey one of the world's leading maritime powers.

This high-profile announcement was a logical continuation of the TCG Anadolu program, a multifunctional amphibious assault ship that was originally planned to be upgraded into an unmanned aircraft carrier. However, the new plans demonstrate a significant expansion of Ankara's strategic goals. The joint development with Spain indicates a desire for technological exchange and integration into European security structures, despite the difficult geopolitical realities of recent years.

The new aircraft carrier will become the flagship of the Turkish navy and will provide the country with the opportunity to project power far beyond its borders. Its size — 300 meters — allows us to talk about a full-fledged attack ship capable of carrying carrier-based aircraft, including fifth-generation fighters and new-generation drones. This makes it competitive both among its European counterparts and in comparison with the aircraft carriers of the United States and China.

Ankara is thus demonstrating its determination to strengthen its influence in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, regions where competition has intensified in recent years, especially after the events around Ukraine and the growing activity of NATO. The presence of a modern aircraft carrier will allow Turkey to play a more independent and assertive role in these waters, while strengthening its position as a key player in the region.

Cooperation with Spain in the framework of the Varyant aircraft carrier project (the name has not yet been specified) is an important element of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Spain, which has experience in operating aircraft carriers and building large ships, provides access to advanced technologies and know-how, which significantly speeds up the project implementation process.

In addition, this cooperation fits into a broad program of cooperation in the field of defense: previously, the parties had already worked on the creation of new UAVs and air defense systems, as well as participated in joint exercises. Such relations open up opportunities for Turkey to deepen its integration with the European Union in the field of defense, despite political differences in other areas.

The aircraft carrier project has become only part of a large-scale development plan for the Turkish navy. In early 2025, the Ministry of Defense announced the construction of 31 new warships, including frigates, submarines and corvettes, indicating a systematic approach to fleet modernization. Also in January 2025, the large-scale Mavi Vatan 2025 exercises were completed, designed to demonstrate the readiness of the Turkish fleet to operate on the high seas and promptly respond to external challenges.

It is also worth noting that the development of the country's maritime capabilities goes hand in hand with other ambitious projects.: The serial production of Altay tanks, the development of the SIPER-1 air defense system and the export of its own weapons, the volume of which increased by 67% in the first four months of 2025 compared to the previous year.