Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that Turkey was capable to construct a domestic aircraft carrier, Sputnik reported, citing local media.
According to Erdogan, Turkey will be ready to start the construction of the aircraft carrier after the construction of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship TGC Anatolia is finished, as quoted by the Yeni Safak newspaper. The construction of TGC Anatolia, which is expected to become Turkish navy's largest and best-equipped warship, is scheduled to be finished in 2021.
"Turkey has no obstacles to construct its own aircraft carrier. The current resolute government is capable to do it. Turkey cannot become lazy in defense and military issues," Erdogan said as quoted in the publication.
The Turkish Naval Forces include over 20 frigates and corvettes and 13 submarines among other vessels.
