Turkey tests first amphibious tank landing ship

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Turkey’s first amphibious tank landing ship has passed its trials, according to a defense industry official.      

The TCG Bayraktar successfully passed the testing of its battle functions by hitting air, land and surface targets, an official from defense company HAVELSAN told Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.      The ship is the first of two being developed for the Turkish Navy to deliver armored vehicles and troops for amphibious missions. Its secondary role is to deliver aid in disaster relief operations.  
    
The Bayraktar has mostly been domestically produced as Turkey seeks to develop its defense industry, which already produces rifles, drones, ships and satellites. Defense Minister Fikri Işık previously said Turkey would start mass production of its main battle tank in May.

Work began on the Bayraktar in May 2014. Its sister ship, the TCG Sancaktar, is scheduled to be delivered in October.    
 
The ship can carry a load of 1,200 tons – equivalent to 20 battle tanks – and can stay at sea for 30 days without being resupplied.