The Istanbul design receives a favorable assessment overall, but its 16 air-defense launch cells are judged too few even with 64 quad-packed Sea Sparrow derivatives. Its separate 16 anti-ship missiles count as a strength. The second ship's 2023 lay-down date prompts an argument that a later hull could have been lengthened for more air-defense missiles. The existing hull appears crowded with computers, supporting systems, weapons and aviation facilities. The proposed extension rests partly on a reading of the visible layout.
Notable Point · 21:37-24:03
Istanbul's 16 air-defense cells
A 16-cell air-defense magazine draws criticism despite quad-packed missiles and a strong anti-ship fit.