Evendale, Ohio; July 31, 2024: One year after GE Aerospace signed an agreement with TAIS OG-STM İş Ortaklığı in Istanbul, Türkiye, to provide LM2500 marine gas turbines for the İstif-Class frigates number 6 - 8 in the MILGEM project, an order for frigates number 9 – 12 has been initiated. GE Aerospace’s LM2500, an engine powered by decades of innovation, will supply 23 MW of power to each frigate.
İstif-Class Frigate Project, Photo courtesy of STM
The İstif -class (or I-class) frigates are an enlarged version of the Ada-class corvettes, which are also powered by LM2500 gas turbines, that feature a slightly larger hull for improved endurance, increased range capability, and longer-range weapons. The MILGEM project is a highly successful program for the Turkish Navy based on regional and global cooperation and has been exported to other countries.
GE Aerospace has provided reliable propulsion solutions to the Turkish Naval Forces since 1997. Currently, a total of 31 LM2500 gas turbines are onboard 18 ships for Türkiye. In addition to the Ada class corvettes and frigates of the MILGEM project, programs include the Barbaros and Gabya class frigates and DIMDEG fleet oil replenishment vessel. With extensive fleet experience and a proven reliability for the Turkish Navy, the LM2500 family of engines is ideal for the Navy’s future TF-2000 air defense destroyer.
Worldwide, there are 1,140 GE Aerospace marine gas turbines aboard 513 naval vessels, providing reliable power for 39 international navies. Navies also have support around the globe at GE Aerospace’s 8 service depots, and interoperability benefits with other allied ships.
GE Aerospace has been a committed partner to Türkiye for nearly 60 years. With offices and facilities located in Istanbul, Ankara, and Gebze, our 440+ employees support an installed base of more than 2300 commercial and defense sector engines across the country. Our highly-skilled engineers at the Türkiye Technology Center also contribute to GE Aerospace’s global engineering work on new engine programs, software development, and additive manufacturing, supporting the country’s position as an advanced aerospace hub.
About GE Aerospace Marine Engines & Systems
The Marine Engines & Systems business is part of GE Aerospace and offers marine propulsion systems for navies that need battle-ready, power-dense solutions. We are advancing capabilities for warships around the globe through the reliable, expert design of the LM2500 family of marine gas turbines, coupled with GE's ethos of delivering what is essential and surpassing what is expected.
GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and systems for commercial and military aircraft, and aeroderivative marine propulsion systems, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information, visit geaerospace.com/marine.