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Turkish defense contractor STM unveiled the model of Türkiye's first national fast attack craft at the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025), marking a significant milestone in the country's naval defense capabilities.
The vessel represents Türkiye's latest effort to achieve independence in naval defense systems, replacing decades-old German-designed attack craft currently used by the Turkish navy. STM serves as both designer and main contractor for the indigenous project.
The national fast attack craft will perform surface warfare missions by deploying in waiting and concealment positions to complicate enemy detection and identification capabilities.
The vessel will be capable of conducting attacks with long-range guided missiles and coordinated assaults with frigates and helicopters when necessary.
The ship will be equipped with sufficient air defense systems to ensure survivability, featuring high speed and maneuverability capabilities. Construction activities and equipment procurement aim to utilize the highest possible rate of domestic sources, including the vessel's design.
The craft excels in shallow water operations, featuring low radar cross-section, full load displacement capabilities, and the ability to conduct operations and fire in challenging sea conditions.
STM General Manager Ozgur Guleryuz emphasized the company's leadership position in Türkiye's military maritime engineering sector.
"Since our country's first national corvette project MILGEM, we have developed our national frigate with the duties we undertook and delivered it to our navy," Guleryuz said. "With our acquired experience and qualified human resources, we started work on our country's national fast attack craft design with the contract we signed in 2020."
Following intensive design processes conducted with the naval forces and the Presidency of Defense Industries, STM was designated as the main contractor for the first vessel's construction, according to Guleryuz.
Construction of the national fast attack craft commenced with a steel-cutting ceremony held July 8 in Istanbul. The project marks the end of foreign dependency in this naval sector.
"As is known, our navy has been using fast attack craft designed abroad, especially by Germany, until today," Guleryuz noted. "We have not only ended foreign dependency in this field. At the same time, after the national corvette and national frigate, Türkiye has now gained the ability to design and implement its own national fast attack craft."
The Turkish navy will receive its longest and heaviest displacement tonnage fast attack craft through this project. Guleryuz indicated the vessel will incorporate maximum national and domestic weapon systems with a high domestic content ratio.
"We will bring a fast, effective and modern surface platform to the Turkish navy," Guleryuz said. "This project will add strength to our country's deterrence at sea and bring us one step closer to our goal of a fully independent defense industry."
In addition, it can be seen that every sharp corner of the fast attack craft has been softened to reduce its radar cross section (RCS) and make it more difficult to detect.
The national fast attack craft will exceed 700 tons displacement with a length approximately 10 meters longer than the current vessels in service. The final design features a quad-diesel engine configuration delivering speeds exceeding 39 knots.
STM selected four waterjets instead of conventional shaft-and-propeller transmission systems, enhancing maneuverability and operational efficiency in shallow and confined waters for littoral combat missions.
The vessel will accommodate up to 36 personnel, significantly fewer than the 45-50 crew members required for current attack craft, highlighting advanced automation and integrated monitoring systems.
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The national fast attack craft will feature nearly all sensors and weapon systems supplied by Turkish defense companies. Primary offensive capability will come from Roketsan's ATMACA surface-to-surface missiles, while MKE's 76mm DENIZHAN naval gun serves as the main armament.
Close-in defense systems will include either Roketsan's LEVENT or Aselsan's GOKSUR Point Defense Missile Systems, plus two 12.7mm remote weapon stations.
Aselsan will supply most sensor suite components, including CENK-300 or CENK-350 AESA radar for air and surface surveillance, AKREP fire control radar, PIRI KATS electro-optical systems, navigational radar, and ARES electronic warfare systems.
Construction of the first national fast attack craft is underway, with STM targeting 2028 for sea trials commencement.
The company will deliver 10 vessels to the Turkish navy under the current program, with potential additional units based on future operational requirements.
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