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STM Defense Technologies Engineering and Trade Inc. marked a historic milestone in Turkish naval engineering by launching the first block of the National Fast Attack Craft at a ceremony held at Istanbul Shipyard on Monday.
The first block launch, known as the "block laying" or "keel laying" ceremony, represents a critical phase in ship construction and officially marks the beginning of the hull assembly process.
The National Fast Attack Craft (FAC) Project, conducted under STM as prime contractor for the Turkish Naval Forces Command under the direction of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), reached this significant milestone.
"In the construction process of our National Fast Attack Craft, whose design is entirely the work of STM engineers, we have laid down our first block after the first steel cutting," STM General Manager Ozgur Guleryuz stated during the block laying ceremony.
"This project represents not only the production of a new platform but symbolizes Türkiye's elevation to a nation capable of designing and building its own fast attack craft. With its original design, high indigenous content, modern weapon systems, and superior maritime capabilities, our National Fast Attack Craft will strengthen our deterrence in the Blue Homeland strategic waters," he added.
The initial "Turkish Type Fast Attack Craft Project – Phase 1 Contract Design Agreement" was signed between the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, Secretariat of Defence Industries, and STM on August 31, 2020.
The project covered the definition of system requirements, concept selection, preliminary design, and contract design phases.
During the design phase, original design activities included hull form optimization, structural analysis, main propulsion system design, ship electrical system design, and weapon configuration development, along with corresponding design packages.
Upon completion of the design phase, a procurement contract for one prototype fast attack craft was signed between the Secretariat of Defence Industries and STM on September 9, 2024.
The first steel-cutting ceremony was held on July 8, 2025. The platform is currently under construction at Istanbul Maritime A.S. Shipyard, with STM serving as the prime contractor.
STM introduced the National Fast Attack Craft model for the first time at the IDEF 2025 exhibition.
The National Fast Attack Craft will conduct surface warfare missions using long-range guided missiles, capable of engaging targets from preplanned concealment positions that complicate hostile detection and identification efforts.
The platform will conduct surface engagements and perform coordinated attacks with frigates and airborne vehicles when necessary.
The vessel will be equipped with adequate air defense systems to ensure self-defense while performing at high speed and maneuverability.
The ship possesses shallow water operational capability and low radar cross section providing invisibility advantage.
The platform is designed to operate at a minimum wave height of two meters when fully loaded at sea and is capable of conducting live firing with a route speed limit of three to four meter wave heights.
The National Fast Attack Craft features the following specifications:
Dimensions and displacement:
Performance characteristics:
The main propulsion system consists of four diesel engines and four steerable waterjets. The vessel carries one ship's boat with 5-person capacity.
Three diesel generator sets provide power generation. The communication systems include Communication Control System, INMARSAT, and SATCOM Ka/X Band satellite communication capability.
The electrical system supports full vessel operations with redundancy and growth capability for integration of special sensors and weapons.
The National FAC will be equipped with a 76-millimeter main gun for surface engagements. The platform includes a surface-to-surface missile system for extended-range strike and a point-defense missile system for air defense.
Two 12.7-millimeter remote-controlled weapon systems provide additional defensive firepower. The vessel is equipped with two chaff and decoy systems for electronic warfare protection.
The Combat Management System (CMS) integrates NATO and national tactical data links (Link 11-22). The combat systems include a three-dimensional surveillance radar, fire control radar with an electro-optical suite providing television, infrared, and laser rangefinder capability, and an electro-optical director with television, infrared, and laser rangefinder capability.
The Electronic Support Measures system provides passive electronic warfare detection and warning.
The platform includes a laser warning system and a 360-degree rotating antenna system for comprehensive situational awareness. Identification Friend or Foe system (IFF) includes Mode 5 capability.
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