TF-2000
The Request for Proposals (RfP) for the Turkish TF-2000 anti-air warfare (AAW) and command & control frigate project was issued in fall 1999. Plans initially called for eventually acquiring up to a dozen TF 2000 Program frigates. The arrival of the three ex-US Navy Perry-class frigates reduced Turkey's request for eight frigates under project TF-2000 to six. The project comprises the local construction of of 4 AAW and 2 AAW-C&C frigates at Gölcük Naval Shipyard and private shipyards (approximate cost of $3 billion) between 2003-2008. Each frigate is estimated to cost $500 million.
A total of 24 platform from 8 shipyards in 6 countries answered the request of information (RfI), which was issued in 1996. It is known that the German shipyard Blohm+Voss is strongly interested in the TF-2000 anti-air warfare frigate program, and proposed the Meko A-200 class state-of-the art frigate which will be equipped with Signaal APAR solid state phased array radar system or Lockheed Martin SPY-1F AEGIS system. The Standard Missile SM-2 area defence missile and RAM ship self-defence missile will equip the TF-2000s.
As of mid-1999 the first unit was planned to be commissioned in 2003, with deliveries planned between 2003 and 2008, although delays were expected. The costs associated with the severe earthquake of 17 August 1999 and other problems within the Turkish economy have affected Turkey's naval modernization planes, and the goal of the TF-2000 program may be reduced to four units. As of mid-2001 the acquisition effort appeared on hold. The first-of-class may be built in the country of the winning contractor, while the remaining five will be constructed in Turkey.
