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Turkish defense consortium TAIS Shipyards signed a $1 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar's Barzan Holding for the construction of two Istif-class, also known as, I-class frigate, frigates at the DIMDEX 2026 International Maritime Defense Exhibition.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani and Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) Chairman Professor Dr. Haluk Gorgun.
TAIS, a joint venture of Anadolu Shipyard, Sedef Shipyard and Sefine Shipyard, represents Türkiye's national shipbuilding capabilities in the project.
Türkiye participates in DIMDEX 2026 with 47 defense industry companies, making it the country with the highest number of firms at the exhibition.
SSB Chairman Gorgun said defense cooperation between Türkiye and Qatar was strengthened with new agreements signed at the exhibition.
"These new steps are a concrete reflection of the strategic vision built between the two countries," Gorgun told state-run Anadolu Agency (AA).
"When strategic cooperation comes up, defense cooperation is at the forefront. As Türkiye, with our advanced capacity, we continue our work to produce platforms and systems that Qatar may need, as well as solutions for both Qatar and third countries," he added.
Cooperation agreements were signed between the Qatari Defense Ministry company Barzan Holding and Turkish firms MKE, Aselsan, STM, ASFAT and TAIS covering ammunition production, systems engineering, naval platforms, technology sharing, and sustainable industrial partnerships.
Barzan Holding also announced a deal with TAIS Shipyards for the Indonesian Armed Forces valued at $1 billion.
The Istanbul-class, also known as Istif or I-class, frigates feature advanced anti-air warfare capabilities and all principal warfare configurations for detection, position determination, classification, identification and target destruction, as well as naval gunfire support.
The vessels can conduct surveillance and maritime patrolling, inspection and surveillance of exclusive economic zones and prevention of potential threats.
Key capabilities include high maneuvering capability, reliability and stability, high-resistance sensors against fire and damage, stealth design with low radar cross-section, shock-absorbing applications against vibration and armored protection.
The frigates feature underwater ambient noise reduction and degaussing systems to minimize magnetic signatures against submarine threats.
Sensors and weapons systems include 3D search radar, electro-optical sensors, fire control radars, illuminating radar, navigation and low probability of intercept radar, an electronic warfare suite with ESM, ECM and decoy systems, a laser warning system, an infrared search and tracking system, hull-mounted sonar and torpedo countermeasures.
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Armament includes torpedo launchers, a national surface-to-surface missile system, a vertical launching system, two 25 mm stabilized guns, a close-in weapon system and a 76 mm main gun.
The frigate measures 113.2 meters in overall length with a beam of 14.40 meters and a draught of 4.15 meters. Displacement is 3,150 tons with a maximum speed exceeding 29 knots and a cruise speed of 14 knots. Endurance reaches 5,700 nautical miles at 14 knots.
The vessel features a helicopter platform and hangar with capacity for two S-70 Seahawk helicopters, two rigid-hulled inflatable boats and comfortable accommodation for 123 crew. Main propulsion is a CODAG configuration with two shafts and controllable pitch propellers powered by four diesel generators.
Türkiye previously signed a contract with Indonesia for two Istif-class frigates at IDEF 2025 between TAIS Shipyards and the Indonesian Ministry of Defense.
Türkiye has also supplied Milgem ADA-class corvettes to Pakistan (4 units), Ukraine (2 units), Malaysia (3 units) and Romania (1 unit).
Gorgun also highlighted the Turkish defense industry's continued growth, saying the sector achieved 48% growth and over $10 billion in exports in 2025, following 28% growth and $7.1 billion in exports in 2024.
"In 2024, the total contract amount we signed was $10 billion. In 2025, this figure reached $17.8 billion. This indicates growth of approximately 80%," he said.
The SSB chairman attributed the demand for Turkish defense products to their technological and functional superiority, competitive pricing and the trust Türkiye provides.
"We started 2026 rapidly as well. I think our exports can increase even more compared to the previous year. This momentum will continue to grow," Gorgun concluded.
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