Turkey, a rising geopolitical player, is consolidating its position on the international stage thanks to the expansion and modernization of its defense industry. With the launch of the Anadolu TCG and the development of the “Mavi Vatan” doctrine, Ankara affirms its ambition to become an influential maritime power in the Mediterranean and beyond.
The TCG Anadolu: vector of Turkish naval power
The receipt of the TCG Anadolu by the Turkish Naval Forces marks a significant advancement in the country’s defense industry. Designed on the plans of the Spanish Juan Carlos I, this 27,000 ton ship has an impressive scale: 231 meters long and 32 wide, capable of deploying a battalion ashore. Its admission as a drone carrier, despite the absence of its planned aircraft – the TB-3 and Kızılelma – still under development, indicates a strategy of innovation and flexibility. The capabilities of this giant of the seas reflect Turkey’s ambition to project itself as a major naval power within the framework of its “Mavi Vatan” doctrine.
Diplomacy and naval strategy: the ambitions of the “Blue Homeland”
Turkey’s complex relationship with NATO contrasts with the close ties it maintains with Spain. This duality reflects Ankara’s subtle diplomatic approach, which seeks to balance its strategic alliances according to its defense objectives. The support expressed by Spain towards Turkey, particularly in the context of Ankara’s accession to the European Union, is an asset for the “Mavi Vatan” doctrine. This aims to strengthen Turkish maritime sovereignty, in particular through the development of new ships such as the future TCG Trakya and the expansion of Spanish-Turkish military cooperation, including the construction of an aircraft carrier more imposing than the TCG. Anadolu.
The influence of Hispano-Turkish cooperation on naval expansion
The association between Navantia and SEDEF underpins Turkey’s rise to power on the seas. President Erdoğan’s desire to increase the aircraft carrier fleet demonstrates this influence. Turkey is seeking to acquire a second “aircraft carrier,” indicating an aspiration to expand its naval footprint. This project, if it comes to fruition, could increase Turkey’s presence in the Mediterranean and beyond, thus consolidating its doctrine of the “Blue Homeland” as an operational and legal framework for its maritime ambitions.
Fleet modernization and international issues
The modernization of the Turkish fleet is essential for the realization of the “Mavi Vatan”. Efforts to strengthen and expand naval capabilities are exemplified by Turkey’s commitment to developing strong international partnerships. The Navantia commercial director’s comments reveal a mutual commitment to promising future projects, such as the construction of a second unit similar to TCG Anadolu. This modernization reflects not only a national ambition but also the need to maintain international alliances to support Turkish maritime initiatives.
Towards a strengthened maritime future
The “Mavi Vatan” doctrine serves as a tool for Turkey’s strategic and geopolitical aspirations, aimed at establishing an extensive maritime presence. By integrating advanced technologies and developing diplomatic relations, Turkey is strengthening its image as a rising naval power. With projects like the TCG Anadolu and the announcement of a second aircraft carrier in collaboration with Spain, Ankara is positioning its defense industry at the forefront of innovation, while pursuing a doctrine that promotes its strategic interests by Mediterranean and beyond. The success of this strategy will depend on Ankara’s ability to continue to modernize
