Sea trials begin for Turkish Navy's second Istif-class frigate

As a member of the MILGEM family, the frigate utilises a modified Ada-class ASW corvette hull with greater dimensions to accommodate greater fuel capacity (for extended range), a larger battery of missiles, and a vertical launch system for surface-to-air missiles.

More than 80 per cent local content was used in the ship's manufacture, which is in excess of STM's goal of 75 per cent.

The frigate's armament will include a 76mm naval gun, a 35mm close-in weapon system, two 25mm remotely controlled stabilised autocannon, anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and torpedoes.

The gun armament, the self-protection decoy countermeasures, and the ASW systems on the Istif-class frigates will be the same as those on the Ada-class corvettes to help streamline local manufacture.