An Examination of Aircraft Carrier Procurement from the Perspective of Turkish Naval Forces

The Multi-Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship Project carried out by the Turkish Naval Forces has intensively attracted public attention. The Project has foreseen the procurement of a Landing Helicopter Dock class of vessel, which primarily focuses on landing operations. On the other hand, the most interesting point about the ongoing project is the vessel’s suitability for deployment of aircrafts capable of Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing and therefore, its potential to serve as aircraft carrier. Landing Helicopter Dock is being associated with aircraft carrier role, has been brought along with intensive discussions about the necessity of this type of vessel for the Turkish Naval Forces. Thus, one part expresses support for aircraft carrier procurement, while other part rejects. This study aims to examine the procurement of aircraft carrier within the scope of operational requirements of the Turkish Naval Forces. Necessity of aircraft carrier acquisition and propriety of the Multi-Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship Project have argued in the study. Furthermore, necessity of procurement of classical aircraft carrier for the Turkish Naval Forces in the future has also argued in the study