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Türkiye has begun construction of the first of two at-sea replenishment and logistics support vessels it will produce for the Portuguese Navy, marking a major milestone in a defense agreement signed in 2024.
The steel-cutting ceremony for the first vessel was held at Istanbul’s Ada Shipyard, with senior Turkish and Portuguese officials attending.
Haluk Gorgun, president of Türkiye’s Defense Industries Presidency (SSB), recalled that Türkiye and Portugal signed the contract on Dec. 17, 2023, in Lisbon.
“Today, with the steel-cutting ceremony, we have taken the first concrete step of this historic project,” Gorgun said. “With this ceremony, we are launching the construction of a naval platform that will serve humanity in peace and provide deterrence during conflict.”
Gorgun emphasized that the agreement represents Türkiye’s first export of a military naval platform to a NATO and EU member state.
The vessels will be 137 meters long, with an 11,000-ton displacement, capable of uninterrupted operations for up to 90 days, and reaching speeds over 18 knots.
With diesel and electric propulsion, they will provide high efficiency and long-range capability of up to 14,000 nautical miles at 14 knots.
The ships are designed for replenishment at sea, logistical support, amphibious operations, medical aid, search and rescue, and humanitarian missions.
Equipped with advanced communications, command-and-control systems, sensors, and weapon systems, the vessels will enhance allied naval deterrence. They will also strengthen Portugal’s long-term logistics capabilities.
The platforms will feature hangar capacity, a flight deck for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, and transport capability for up to 20 lightly armored vehicles.
“These ships will play a critical role in NATO-led joint operations,” Gorgun said, noting participation from STM as the main contractor and around 30 Turkish companies.
Rear Adm. Joao Marques da Costa, director of the Portuguese Navy’s ship program, said the ceremony symbolized both a new vessel and a new phase in bilateral cooperation.
He stressed that the vessels will significantly bolster national and allied operational readiness against 21st-century security challenges.
STM General Manager Ozgur Guleryuz said the design phase had been completed, and the keel-laying ceremony is planned for January.
Delivery of the first vessel is scheduled for 36 months after the contract takes effect, and the second for 44 months.
After the ceremony, Gorgun told Anadolu Agency that Türkiye takes pride in being selected by a NATO and EU member with a strong maritime heritage.
He noted that nearly all onboard subsystems will be provided by Turkish defense companies, reflecting broad confidence in Türkiye’s defense sector.
He added that Türkiye currently has around 40 naval projects underway across nearly 10 public and private shipyards.
“With confidence in our defense companies and shipyards, these projects will be completed as planned and delivered to our heroic navy,” Gorgun said.
Following speeches, the steel of the first vessel was cut, and officials posed for photographs to mark the event.
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