The National Vertical Launch Launcher System MIDLAS successfully carried out the first firing test with the Hisar air defense missile. It is expected to exit the development process in 2023 and be integrated into TCG Istanbul and enter the inventory.
National Vertical Launcher System MIDLAS fired its first shot!
Within the scope of the mid-life modernization project of the Barbaros class frigates signed between the joint venture of Aselsan and Havelsan and the Presidency of Defense Industries in 2018, the old MK-29 Sea Sparrow launchers were renewed with two 8-cell Mk-41 vertical launch systems. In addition, as far as we know, there is one 8-cell module on the G-class TCG Gaziantep ship.
In the next period, under the MİLGEM project, of which STM was the main contractor, it was planned to be a derivative of the TF-100 class frigate, developed as a TF-100 class frigate, with the increased durability of Ada class corvettes, as well as a Mark 41 vertical launch system for multi-purpose uses.
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However, the use of Mark 41 systems on frigates was prevented due to the secret embargo imposed by the USA. After this situation, the use of MIDLAS (National Vertical Launcher System), which is currently under development, came to the fore.
The MIDLAS, which are expected to be included in the inventory in the near future, are also planned to be used in the air defense destroyer and destroyer TF-2000 ships, which are currently under feasibility studies and planned within the scope of the MİLGEM program of the Presidency of Defense Industries for the Turkish Naval Forces.
It is known that the cost of the 12 Mk-41 vertical launch system is around 55 million dollars per ship. Of course, on the destroyer ships used by the USA, up to 90 can be found on the deck. Therefore, the cost per ship is approaching 1 billion dollars.
In this case, the fact that the MIDLAS systems developed by Turkey will come with a 16-cell structure seems to be more than enough for the initial and modernization process. In addition, the 16-pack MIDLAS system is expected to cost around $70 million.
When we look at the general features, we see that the MIDLAS are slightly different from the Mk-41s structurally. For example, MK-41s will be 7 meters 70 cm, while MIDLAS will be 8 meters long. In addition, the Soft Launch technique is used to apply less pressure to the ejection system and to minimally affect the sensors.
Although it does not go through a mass production process as large as the USA, the close costs are a very positive development for the first production. In addition, the money to be spent within the scope of this project will remain within the borders of Turkey, increase the income of domestic companies and contribute to the workforce will be a reason for preference in itself.
When we look at it historically, the National Vertical Launcher System will exit the development process in 2023 and enter the inventory. Today, a test fire was made with the Hisar air defense missile. Its first use will be with TCG Istanbul, our Stacker class ship, which was started in 2017, launched in 2021 and will be put into service in the second half of 2023.
In addition, MIDLAS systems will directly compete with the Mk-41. However, in the following years, if deemed necessary, we may see the development process of a system that rivals the Mk-57 that comes with the 4-unit. However, it should not be forgotten that this will proceed completely in line with the needs.
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