China’s interest in Turkey’s aircraft carriers highlights geopolitical tensions, especially regarding Turkey’s new 60,000-ton “Thrace” carrier. While limited in the Aegean, these carriers have broader strategic implications in the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Indo-Pacific, challenging China’s regional interests.
Tag: Aircraft Carriers
The launch of two new Turkish frigates highlights Ankara’s expanding naval ambitions in the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas, bolstered by its growing domestic defense industry. Rooted in the “Blue Homeland” doctrine, this strategy has fueled maritime disputes with Greece and Cyprus over boundaries and resources. With 29 ships under construction and a defense budget of $45 billion for 2025, Turkey aims to assert itself as a regional and global naval power, reducing reliance on Western suppliers and promoting its advanced unmanned surface vehicle programs.
