Turkish MILGEM Project Supercharged: The Arrival of Extra LM2500 Engines!

One year following GE Aerospace’s partnership establishment with TAIS OG-STM İş Ortaklığı in Istanbul, Türkiye, for the supply of LM2500 marine gas turbines for the İstif-Class frigates numbered 6 – 8 in the MILGEM initiative, an order for frigates numbered 9 – 12 has commenced. GE Aerospace’s
LM2500, an engine driven by decades of advancement, will deliver 23 MW of power to each frigate.

The İstif-class (or I-class) frigates are an expanded iteration of the Ada-class corvettes, which are also equipped with LM2500 gas turbines. These vessels boast a slightly larger hull, enhancing endurance, extending range capabilities, and facilitating longer-range weapons. The MILGEM initiative is a notably successful program for the Turkish Navy founded on regional and global collaboration and has been exported to various nations.

Since 1997, GE Aerospace has delivered dependable propulsion solutions to the Turkish Naval Forces. Presently, there are 31 LM2500 gas turbines installed across 18 vessels for Türkiye. In addition to the Ada-class corvettes and MILGEM project frigates, these include the Barbaros and Gabya class frigates along with the DIMDEG fleet oil replenishment vessel. With a breadth of operational experience and proven dependability for the Turkish Navy, the LM2500 engine family is ideally suited for the Navy’s upcoming TF-2000 air defense destroyer.

Globally, there are 1,140 GE Aerospace marine gas turbines installed on 513 naval ships, delivering reliable energy for 39 international fleets. Navies also benefit from support worldwide at GE Aerospace’s eight service stations, promoting interoperability with allied vessels.

For nearly 60 years, GE Aerospace has been a devoted ally to Türkiye. With offices and facilities in Istanbul, Ankara, and Gebze, our workforce of over 440 individuals supports a deployed base of more than 2,300 engines across the commercial and defense sectors in the country. Our highly-skilled engineers at the Türkiye Technology Center also play a critical role in GE Aerospace’s worldwide engineering programs focused on new engine developments, software innovation, and additive manufacturing, thus fortifying the country’s standing as a premier aerospace center.