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The Turkish Naval Forces Command revealed that the project was given the green light on April 5, 2024, under NATO\u2019s Naval Capability Enhancement Plan (NMCP). The expansion aims to enhance the existing infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels, including helicopter carriers and aircraft carriers from allied nations.<\/p>\n
Situated on Turkey\u2019s Mediterranean coast, Aksaz naval base plays a pivotal role in defending the southern coastline and projecting power in the eastern Mediterranean. The base will also host Turkey\u2019s flagship vessels, such as the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu and Air Independent Propulsion submarines, addressing maintenance and logistical needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is our largest ongoing project, involving the construction of piers and dock facilities for our naval assets,\u201d stated Rear Admiral Tayfun \u00d6zel, who heads the Navy\u2019s engineering supply department. Preparations are underway for the Ministry of Defense to open a tender in 2025.<\/p>\n
The investment plan, part of NATO\u2019s NMCP initiative, also includes building new docks and upgrading logistics systems with advanced maintenance and ship traffic management technologies. Rear Admiral \u00d6zel emphasized that these developments are funded by both national and NATO resources.<\/p>\n
A ceremony held on August 27, 2023, marked the inauguration of the Aksaz Shipyard Command, attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdo\u011fan, Defense Minister Ya\u015far G\u00fcler, and Turkish Naval Forces Commander Erc\u00fcment Tatl\u0131o\u011flu. The project, which further solidifies Turkey\u2019s footprint in the resource-rich eastern Mediterranean, aims to bolster regional cooperation and strengthen NATO\u2019s southern flank, according to military officials.<\/p>\n