Barbaros-Class Frigates Enter "Beast Mode" with Major MLU

Written by D-Mitch

TCG Orucreis frigate after MLU during Exercise Dynamic

Mariner / Flotex 25. Photo by Anadolu Agency.

Today, the Turkish Turkish Naval Forces (Türk Deniz Kuvvetleri) operate a fleet of four Barbaros-class multipurpose frigates. Two of these ships were built by the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, while the other two were constructed at Turkey’s Gölcük Naval Shipyard with German assistance. Construction of the lead ship, TCG Barbaros (F-244), began in April 1992, and all four vessels were commissioned between 1995 and 2000. The Barbaros-class frigates are approximately 7 meters longer than the earlier Yavuz-class frigates (four ships) and have a full load displacement of around 3,400 tons. Compared to their predecessors, they feature a more advanced propulsion system—CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas)—which allows for a higher top speed. They also incorporate upgraded electronic and sensor systems. Until the commissioning of TCG Istanbul (F-515, the lead ship of the first indigenous Istif-class frigates in January 2024, the Barbaros-class frigates were considered the most modern vessels in the Turkish Navy. Today, the ships of the class are undergoing a comprehensive Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) to enhance their combat capabilities and extend their service life into the 2040s. This article offers a detailed and thorough examination of the Barbaros-class frigates and their extensive (and impressive) MLU.

Yavuz-class frigate TCG Turgutreis in 2015. US Navy photo.

While the armament configuration of the first two Barbaros-class ships (Track II-A), Barbaros and Oruçreis, is largely the same as the Yavuz-class, the latter two vessels (Salihreis and Kemalreis)—often referred to as the Salihreis subclass (Track II-B)—were built with the more modern Mk41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) with two 8-cell modules. In contrast, the earlier Yavuz-class and the first two Barbaros-class frigates were equipped with the older 8-tube Mk29 NATO Sea Sparrow Missile (NSSM) trainable launcher. Moreover, the two Salihreis vessels were fitted with two, instead of one on Barbaros vessels, STIR tracking and illumination fire control radar (FCR) systems for the guidance of NSSM and ESSM SAM. The first two Barbaros vessels have one Contraves TMX FCR for the gun and one STIR FCR for NSSM.

TCG Oruçreis outward bound from Portsmouth Naval Base, UK,

21st September 2009. The ship that time was fitted with Mk29

NSSM launcher and AWS-9 radar. Image by Brian Burnell. 

TCG Barbaros after its first upgrade with the installation of 
Mk41 VLS and SMART-S Mk2 radar. US Navy photo.

The Barbaros-class frigates underwent partial local upgrades between 2012 and 2015. These included the replacement of the outdated AWS-9 (Type 996) E/F-band 3D air/surface search radar with the Thales SMART-S Mk2, and the replacement of the 8-tube Mk-29 RIM-7 NSSM launcher with a Mk 41 VLS on TCG Barbaros and TCG Oruçreis (Track IIA vessels). The Mk41 VLS allows these ships to carry up to 32 RIM-162 Block I Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) SAM.

In the photo the TCG Salihreis fitted with the old AWS-9
prior the first upgrade. Note the forward STIR FCR
in comparison to the first two Barbaros vessels that have
a TMX FCR there.Turkish Navy photo.

The two vessels of Salihreis subclass with their 16-cell Mk41
VLS and two STIR FCRs. NATO Maritime Command photo.
Note the raised bow in comparison with the Barbaros class.

For the Track II-B vessels, TCG Salihreis and TCG Kemalreis, the existing dual Mk41 VLS modules were upgraded from Baseline IV to Baseline VII, enabling the launch of ESSM missiles. Thanks to the Baseline VII upgrade, the number of ESSMs carried on the Track II-B frigates was increased to 64 missiles. However, according to some reports, due to weight, capacity, and stability concerns, the ships often carry a mixed load of 32 ESSMs and 8 NSSM SAMs instead. All ships in class have received Aselsan SATCOM antennas and the Aircraft Ship Integrated Secure and Traverse (ASIST) system to support shipboard helicopter operations.

The Turkish Nav yis the sole user of the SEA GUARD CIWS suite in
the world. The suite (SEA ZENITH CIWS, TMK FCRs, AWS-06 radar) was 
installed on all eight MEKO 200TN frigates.

TCG Salihreis (F246)

TCG Barbaros (F244)

However, a contract for an extended MLU of the class was signed on April 3, 2018. The MLU works for the first ship, TCG Oruçreis (F-245), began in March 2022, and she commenced her first sea trials in November 2023. On April 9, 2025, Aselsan finalized the provisional acceptance of the Barbaros-class frigates' MLU project, hailed as the most extensive modernization effort ever undertaken for a MEKO-type frigate. After the MLU, the only difference between the two subclasses will be in the bow, where Salihreis features a raised design intended to reduce the amount of seawater taken on board. Nevertheless, although the whole project was originally slated for completion by 2025, it is now clear that this deadline will not be met.

A Salihreis-class frigate is firing with her Mk45 127mm gun.

TCG Oruçreis under MLU at 

Gölcük Naval Shipyard

TCG Oruçreis under MLU at 

Gölcük Naval Shipyard

With a comprehensive combat system integration solution tailored to the specific needs of the Turkish Naval Forces, a total of 21 systems onboard TCG Oruçreis have been renewed under ASELSAN’s main contractorship. Among the notable advancements brought are radar, electronic warfare, integrated combat and satellite communication, electro-optic, weapon and fire control, underwater and navigation support systems; which significantly enhance the operational capabilities of TCG Oruçreis. In addition to modernizing weapon and electronic systems, ASELSAN undertook extensive redesign work, including main mast modifications, above and below deck arrangement activities, and various analyses related to marine stability, HVAC systems, power distribution, and electromagnetic compatibility. Additionally, the crew's accommodations were modernized including the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, and the engines and electrical equipment were either modernized or upgraded.

Infographic of the MLU on TCG Orucereis by Aselsan.
The ALPER LPI radar is not included in the graph.

Specifically, under the terms of the contract, the existing combat management system (CMS) STACOS Mod 3/TACTICOS of Thales Nederland is replaced with a new variant of the GENESIS CMS, namely ADVENT. This is a robust, modular, and scalable C4I system developed by Havelsan. Additionally, several existing weapons and sensors are upgraded on a one-to-one replacement basis.

ADVENT CMS by Havelsan

With two PHALANX CIWS

With PHALANX and GÖKDENİZ  

In this context, the AWS-06 DOLPHIN target acquisition radar (which contributes to SEA GUARD CIWS system) is replaced by Aselsan’s CENK 200-N (formerly MAR-D) active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, installed in a new small secondary mast where initially the SMART-S Mk2 was installed during the 2012-2015 upgrade, together with a tactical air navigation (TACAN) antenna. The current SEA GUARD close-in weapon system (CIWS)—including its TMK directors and the three SEA ZENITH four-barrelled 25mm gun mounts (Turkey is the sole user of this CIWS suite in the world), are replaced by a GÖKDENİZ 100/35/StA twin 35mm gun with ATOM airburst ammunition (ABM) mounted in the B-position (this CIWS is equipped with its own CENK 200-N radar and FCR system), replacing one of the SEA ZENITH systems, along with a PHALANX Mk15 CIWS, in its most advanced configuration, the Block 1B Baseline 2, installed atop the hangar (the initial plan was to install two PHALANX but later the plan changed). 

Furthermore, two Aselsan SMASH 200/25 25mm remote weapon stations (RWS) are installed on the aft section, at both the starboard and port sides, replacing the previously mounted SEA ZENITH CIWS systems.The STIR and TMX FCRs are replaced by two dual-band AKREP 300-N FCRs for the guidance of ESSM Block 1 SAM and the Mk45 gun.

My first infographic of the modernized Barbaros-class (MEKO 200TNIIA/B) frigate of the Turkish Navy, created in 2021 using a graphic released by Aselsan and the information available at the time, just a few months before the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) began on the first ship. Note the initila plans for 16 SSM and two quad L-UMTAS ATGM launchers at each side of GÖKDENİZ CIWS. HR image here.

The AN/SQS-56 hull mounted sonar (HMS) is replaced with the new-generation FERSAH 100-N HMS, an indigenously developed active/passive sonar system by Aselsan and Armelsan. The AN/SLQ-25 NIXIE towed decoy system (TDS) is replaced by Aselsan’s HIZIR 100-N torpedo countermeasure system (TCS) with towed array, towed decoy and two 8-tube torpedo decoy launching systems (TDLS). A new communication suite was installed including SATCOM, IFF, V-UHF and HF communication antennas, and the GEMS Integrated Naval Communication System. The navigation systems were also improved through the installation of the MİTOS WECDIS, KULAÇ echo sounder system, and the ANS inertial navigation system (INS).

My latest infographic about the upgraded TCG Orucreis frigate of the Barbaros class (MEKO 200TN Track II-A/B). This is a modification of a photo taken by Oguz Eroguz (account Viya on X).

As part of the electronic warfare upgrades, Aselsan’s ARES-2N(V)2 radar electronic support measures (R-ESM) system replaces the existing CUTLASS-1B system. In parallel, the existing SCORPION-B system is replaced by Aselsan’s AREAS-2NC radar electronic countermeasures (R-ECM) system. The ARES NEWS central management system was also installed. The forward lattice mast has been replaced by a new integrated mast that includes the SMART-S Mk2 radar with new integrated IFF, the EW suite with AREAS-2NC and ARES-2 sensors, a new navigation radar of an unknown type (it is not similar to the ALPER LPI neither Aselsan reports it in its latest infographic), PIRI-100 infrared search and tracking (IRST) suite and two MARTI 200-N (known also as KIRLANGIÇ) electro-optical sensors (EOS) as part of the reconnaissance and surveillance system. 

The ARES-2N configuration includes one ARES-2N(V)2 unit mounted below the SMART-S Mk2 radar—installed on a newly integrated forward mast that provides improved coverage area compared to the previous position during the 2012-2015 upgrade—and two additional antennas positioned on either side of the mast to cover different frequency bands. The new mast resembles a lot the mast of the Istif-class frigates. 

TCG Orucreis during her first sea trials in 2023. Photo by Turkish MoD.

TCG Orucreis during her first sea trials in 2023. Photo by Turkish MoD.

The initial Aselsan's graph depicts UMTAS launchers
at each side of the GÖKDENİZ CIWS

The ship's Mk45 127mm gun has not changed but has been integrated with Aselsan TAKS gun fire control system (GFCS). The two UMTAS anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) launchers were never installed at each side of the GÖKDENİZ CIWS but instead two ARAS-2023 active diver detection sonars (DDS) from ARMELSAN were installed. The frigates are also integrated with Aselsan’s LIAS-200D naval laser warning system (NLWS) while the four sextuple Mk36 SRBOC decoy launching systems (DLS) were replaced by KARTACA-N from Aselsan. The two triple Mk32 trainable torpedo launchers will be bale in the future to launch the new ORKA 324mm LWT torpedo.

TCG Orucreis (F-245) frigate. Image by Aselsan

The rear section of the superstructure with the VLS
behind the funnels, the communicatiosn antennas, the 
AKREP 300-N FCR and the PHALANX CIWS.

TCG Orucreis during her first sea trials in 2023.

The ship now carries twelve (12) anti-ship missiles amidships instead of eight (8) before. It is worth noting that the original plan under the MLU program was to fit 16 surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs); however, due to weight constraints, the number was limited to twelve, the only MEKO 200 in the world that carries this number of SSM. From the photos released, we can see that there are two types of SSM launchers; two quadruple for ATMACA from Roketsan (with their own fire control system) and one quadruple for RGM-84 HARPOON which were initially carried. The load can change though to twelve ATMACA SSM if it is required or any other combination of SSM. At least four M2HB and MG3 machine guns complete the impressive armament of the upgraded ships.

The 12 x SSM launchers amidships.

TCG Orucreis frigate after MLU during Exercise Dynamic

Mariner / Flotex 25 with her impressive load of 12 SSM

installed amidships. Photo by Anadolu Agency.

TCG Orucreis (F-245) frigate. Image by Aselsan

This impressive mid-life upgrade with domestic equipment is designed to extend the operational life of the four Barbaros-class frigates until the 2040s, when they are expected to be replaced by a new generation of domestically produced warships. Following a comprehensive modernization that retained only the original hull and significantly altered the ships' silhouette, the Turkish Navy MEKO 200 variant has emerged as the most heavily armed configuration of its type worldwide. Equipped with twelve anti-ship missiles, formidable anti-aircraft and anti-missile defenses, and advanced electronic systems, it stands out without question.

I hope you enjoy reading this article. Special thanks to Oguz Eroguz (known as @Viya on X) for generously providing the photo used in my infographic!