TCG Anadolu-class (L-400)

The development of the TCG Anadolu was initiated to meet requirements for a multi-purpose amphibious platform. Originally conceived with a flight deck optimized solely for helicopter operations, the design was subsequently modified to include a ski-jump ramp. This adjustment was intended to facilitate the operation of short take-off and vertical landing fighter jets. However, following geopolitical shifts and the termination of the procurement program for those specific aircraft, the vessel’s role was adapted to serve as a carrier for unmanned combat aerial vehicles. Construction commenced in 2016, leading to its formal commissioning into active service in April 2023.

The TCG Anadolu is a multi-role vessel categorized as both a drone carrier and an amphibious assault ship. It serves as a command center and flagship, designed for long-endurance operations. The ship’s architecture supports two primary configurations: an amphibious assault role and a V/STOL aircraft carrier role. Its internal structure includes dedicated spaces for heavy loads such as main battle tanks and amphibious assault vehicles, alongside a dock capable of hosting various landing craft. The aviation facilities comprise a flight deck and a hangar system that can be unified to increase capacity. For defense and situational awareness, the platform is equipped with a combat management system, precision approach radar, and diver detection sonar. Its defensive armament consists of close-in weapon systems and remote-controlled weapon stations.

The vessel is utilized for projecting power through long-distance military combat operations and providing a platform for humanitarian relief. As the flagship of the Turkish Navy, it has participated in naval exercises within the Mediterranean Sea. The ship's operational profile emphasizes its role as a strategic asset for unmanned aviation, having successfully conducted the first take-off and landing of fixed-wing unmanned combat aerial vehicles on a short-runway platform without the use of arresting gear. Its range allows for trans-Atlantic transit, supporting sustained presence in distant maritime theaters without the immediate necessity for refueling.