Turkish modernization program worries Greek defence enthusiasts

[Kedikesenfare]

MLU of Turkish Navy’s Barbaros-class frigates Passes Critical Design Phase​

According to a video published by the Turkish Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), the critical design phase of the Turkish Navy’s Barbaros class (MEKO 200 TN Track II-A/B) frigates' Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) was completed in 2020.​

Within the MLU project scope, indigenous systems developed by ASELSAN – HAVELSAN Joint Venture will replace the existing combat systems onboard 4 Barbaros-class Frigates of the Turkish Naval Forces (Türk Deniz Kuvvetleri). The modernization of the first frigate is set to be completed in November 2022, while the last ship of the class is expected to be delivered in 2024.




The most significant modification of the Barbaros-class frigates is the Combat Management System. Turkey’s leading company of C2 solutions, HAVELSAN will modernize the existing TACTICOS combat management system with “B-SYS Combat Management System,” a derivative of indigenous GENESIS CMS. Besides, a gunfire control system named “TAKS,” locally developed by the R&D department of the Turkish Navy, will be adapted to the 127mm main gun.

Another important upgrade is about anti-ship missile systems. The ships will be outfitted with 16 Atmaca anti-ship missiles (4 quad canisters) replacing the 8 Harpoon missiles (2 quad canisters) currently fitted.




The main mast will be replaced with a stealth one. Thales SMART-S Mk 2 air/surface search radar and ASELSAN ARES-2 series ESM and ECM systems will be placed on the new mast. The ASELSAN-made MAR-D 3D phased array radar will replace AWS-06 short-range multipurpose radar, and indigenous AKR-D trackers will replace STIR trackers.




The old Sea Guard Close-in Weapon System (CIWS), which consists of three 4-barrel Sea Zenith 25 mm guns, will be replaced by two CIWS, the indigenous Gokdeniz CIWS in front of the bridge and Phalanx CIWS above the helo hangar. There will be 2×2 UMTAS / L-UMTAS launchers at the starboard and port side of Gokdeniz CIWS to meet the ship’s short-range missile needs.




AN/SQS-56 sonar will be replaced by FERSAH Hull-Mounted Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Sonar System, which can operate in Medium Frequency (MF) Bands in both active and passive modes. Aselsan, the main contractor, with the support of Armelsan, developed FERSAH for frigates and corvettes. FERSAH also has the capability to detect sea mines.

Other upgrades within the scope of the MLU project are as follow:

• ASELSAN-made “Piri” Infrared Search and Tracking system
• Laser Warning System
• ASELSAN-made ALPER LPI navigational radar (instead of DECCA 2690)
• Two ASELSAN-STOP Remote Controlled Stabilized Naval Gun System
• ASELSAN HIZIR Torpedo Countermeasures system (instead of AN/SLQ-25 Nixie)

In addition to the issues mentioned above, Turkish officials state that they aim to increase the systems’ effectiveness with indigenous software solutions. The common desire of the officials is to sustain the indigenization trend of the industry and reduce the outsourcing.




On the other hand, the effects of the recent U.S. sanctions on the MLU project are not clear yet. The common concern of the Turkish defense experts is procuring Phalanx CIWS would not be possible, equipping the ship with two Gokdeniz CIWS is seen as the best solution to reduce the impact of the sanctions.

This Mid-Life Upgrade will extend the Barbaros-class frigates’ service life until the 2040s.

MLU of Turkish Navy’s Barbaros-class frigates Passes Critical Design Phase - Naval News

According to a video published by the Turkish Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), the critical design phase of the Turkish Navy’s Barbaros class (MEKO 200 TN Track II-A/B) frigates' Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) was completed in 2020.

www.navalnews.com

You've probably not realized this but the recently revealed mid-life-upgrade program for the Turkish Barbarossa FFGs have caused a MAJOR discussion with hundreds of posts all over the Greek internet. Most Greek netizens were shocked and taken by surprise. I assume they didn't expect Turkey to be able to do this on her own?

However, the Greeks are heavily criticizing their own government and establishment for not upgrading the Greek ships and in general doing almost zilch to kickstart a Greek defense industry.

 

[Kedikesenfare]

I'm posting this article to give you an idea of the sheer panic this program has caused in Greece. Go to the comment section.

 

[Merzifonlu]

I think that Greeks are worrying about the wrong project. They should be worried that Turkiye will have the ability to produce air & sea drones when it wants and as much as it needs. Turkiye can also produce smart munitions in the style of Çakır, which are the weapons of these drones, I didn't even need to mention it.

 

[Huelague]

I hope we start our project (12 island), as soon as possible.

 

[Ecderha]

You've probably not realized this but the recently revealed mid-life-upgrade program for the Turkish Barbarossa FFGs have caused a MAJOR discussion with hundreds of posts all over the Greek internet. Most Greek netizens were shocked and taken by surprise. I assume they didn't expect Turkey to be able to do this on her own?

However, the Greeks are heavily criticizing their own government and establishment for not upgrading the Greek ships and in general doing almost zilch to kickstart a Greek defense industry.

"Greeks are heavily criticizing their own government and establishment for not upgrading the Greek ships"

-It is known to world that greece have > 300% debts.
-It is known that eu and usa made agreement and plan to delay greece debt payments in order to calm down creditors
-greece do NOT have industry which can make upgrades by own.

All above said there is one option left and it is do discuss with West what can West want from greece for exchange and provide military products for greece. This options were already discussed with all WEST countries even with israel and russia

So lets say it greece can NOT counter Turkiye.
But also we need to see things clear and real about that big part of greece people were zombified.
This continue so many years by government and church and all those fake and evil related predictions that people mind just went crazy. greece people live in unreal reality and things going worst each year passes. greece military and social media keep provoking Turks and Turkiye on any opportunity.
We need to understand Turkiye will not keep restrain themself and it will response Big. It will be catastrophic for greece and his people

 

[Heartbang]

I'm posting this article to give you an idea of the sheer panic this program has caused in Greece. Go to the comment section.

the most shocking thing i saw at the comment section is the presence of mankurts licking greek ass. other than that, its business as usual tbh.

 

[Altay2071]

I think that Greeks are worrying about the wrong project. They should be worried that Turkiye will have the ability to produce air & sea drones when it wants and as much as it needs. Turkiye can also produce smart munitions in the style of Çakır, which are the weapons of these drones, I didn't even need to mention it.

We shouldn’t get carried away with these. Most of the things mentioned are still not in the inventory in large numbers. Greece can get all the comparable stuff easily and in some cases for free. We must not only prepare for Greece. We need to prepare such that both France and USA will clearly see that it would be very costly for them to attack us. Greece people are united, all of them. We are much divided. People in Türkiye need to make more sacrifices to prepare well. We are still not there. I see on TV some commentators are comparing 80 million to 10 million. That is rubbish. Greece will not try to invade us, they will attack and try to hurt us. We need to be much stronger otherwise we cannot respond if France and US are backing them.

 

[Altay2071]

It is Greece that will come one night, not us. So prepare well.

 

[Altay2071]

"Greeks are heavily criticizing their own government and establishment for not upgrading the Greek ships"

-It is known to world that greece have > 300% debts.
-It is known that eu and usa made agreement and plan to delay greece debt payments in order to calm down creditors
-greece do NOT have industry which can make upgrades by own.

All above said there is one option left and it is do discuss with West what can West want from greece for exchange and provide military products for greece. This options were already discussed with all WEST countries even with israel and russia

So lets say it greece can NOT counter Turkiye.
But also we need to see things clear and real about that big part of greece people were zombified.
This continue so many years by government and church and all those fake and evil related predictions that people mind just went crazy. greece people live in unreal reality and things going worst each year passes. greece military and social media keep provoking Turks and Turkiye on any opportunity.
We need to understand Turkiye will not keep restrain themself and it will response Big. It will be catastrophic for greece and his people

Unfortunately Türkiye will restrain itself. If they sink one of our ships we will also sink one from them. We will certainly not go all out. And that is actually bad for us. If they sink one of our ships we should use this opportunity and eliminate their whole navy. We cannot afford to make small steps in such a war.