There isn’t any place in the eastern Med that isn’t within striking distance of a country with 1st class land-based strike aircraft. If this thing isn’t targeted by a sub it will spend all it’s limited deck space hauling interceptors to protect itself.
Really effective carriers have to ship a balanced air wing that can perform ASW, strike & air defense. Smaller carriers sacrifice capability in 1 or more areas.
That’s my take on it to. Where do the Turks intend to project power? This won’t help them against their immediate neighbors, where they have real interests and conflicts, and some prospect of exerting real power. And I don’t see them sending this thing to somewhere like the Persian Gulf.
Alternately its a bargaining piece to use to trade services with some other power. Something for the Saudis to rent, as part of some Sunni coalition effort far from Turkey. And far from Israel.
Really? What’s the standoff range of an Exocet? I am thinking five Gripens could easily sent that thing into the drink. Do the Turks have any frigates or destroyers to escort her?