Kilic-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| Category | Patrol vessel |
| Subtype | Missile patrol vessel |
| Manufacturer | Gölcük Naval Shipyard, Lürssen Werft |
| Year commissioned | 1998 |
| Units | P330 KILIC, P331 KALKAN, P332 MIZRAK, P333 TUFAN, P334 MELTEM, P335 IMBAT, P336 N…, P337 N…, P338 N… |
| Current operators | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
Description
The Kilic I/II class fast attack crafts, currently in service with the Turkish Navy and the Kazakh Naval Forces, epitomize the modern naval warfare's focus on versatility and rapid response capabilities. Designed as an enlarged version of the FPB 57 type, these vessels were first laid down by the Lürssen shipyard in Germany and by Turkish shipyards for subsequent units. They are an upgrade on the original FPB 57 design with integrated weapons-control systems and advanced electronics. This class of ships is primarily commissioned for missions that require speed and precision, such as patrolling in territorial waters, engaging enemy vessels, and safeguarding naval assets.
Developed initially with bulwarks at the bow, which were later removed after builder's trials, the Kilic class ships highlight the evolutionary nature of naval architecture where design modifications are often influenced by operational experiences. Their construction spans from the late 1990s to the 2010s, with all units remaining active in service as of the latest available data.
In terms of armament, the Kilic class is well-equipped to handle various threats, featuring an array of Harpoon surface-to-surface missiles (SSM), an Oto Melara 76 mm main gun for surface combat, a dual 40 mm anti-aircraft gun, and a pair of 7.62 mm caliber machine guns for defense against close-range threats. Such firepower is supported by sophisticated electronic warfare and decoy systems, including the Cutlass 1C intercept Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Countermeasures (SRBOC) to deter incoming missile threats.
The operational history of these crafts has been characterized by their role in ensuring the Turkish and Kazakh maritime sovereignty, showcasing their ability to conduct operations across a range of scenarios. Their strategic value is further enhanced by the endurance capability of 3,300 nautical miles at 16 knots, allowing them to undertake extended missions with a reduced logistical footprint.
Technical specifications
| Kilic | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 550 tons |
| Range | 1500 km at 30 knots |
| Crew | 45 members |
| Width | 8.6 m (28.2 ft) |
| Length | 62.4 m (204.7 ft) |
| Propulsion | 4 MTU 16 V 956 diesels with a power of 23,300 hp total - 4 propellers |
| Armament | 8 UGM-84 (IV 2) + 1 76mm OTO-Melara Compact gun + 2 40mm Breda guns |
| Maximum speed | 40 knots |
Photo of Kilic class
