Türkiye begins construction of naval ship for Portuguese navy

Türkiye has initiated the construction of a sophisticated naval vessel for Portugal, signaling a historic achievement for the Turkish defense sector. The steel-cutting ceremony for the first of two Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ships took place at Ada Shipyard in Istanbul, launching Türkiye's first military naval platform export to a fellow NATO and European Union member country.

A Historic Defense Industry Milestone

Haluk Gorgun, head of the Turkish Defense Industries Agency, described the project as a strategic milestone that will stand as a legacy for the future. "That day, we laid not only the foundation of a contract but also the foundation of history—the first export of a military naval platform from Türkiye to a NATO and European Union member state," Gorgun stated during the ceremony. The contract between the two nations was signed in Lisbon on December 17, 2024, covering the construction of two advanced logistics vessels for the Portuguese Navy.

Advanced Capabilities and Strategic Importance

The new vessels represent cutting-edge naval technology with impressive operational capabilities. Designed with an economical cruising speed of 14 knots and a remarkable range of up to 14,000 nautical miles, these ships will successfully execute transoceanic missions. Their versatile design enables a wide spectrum of operations including replenishment at sea, logistics support, regional power projection, amphibious operations, medical assistance, search and rescue, and humanitarian aid missions. Equipped with advanced communication systems, comprehensive sensors, and weapon systems, they will substantially enhance the Portuguese Navy's logistical capabilities and deterrent power.

International Recognition of Turkish Engineering

The project demonstrates the international defense community's growing confidence in Turkish engineering and shipbuilding capabilities. Gorgun emphasized that Türkiye now ranks among the world's leading nations in simultaneous military vessel construction. The Portuguese Navy's Rear Adm. Joao Marques da Costa described the ceremony as opening "a new chapter of trust and shared vision" between Portugal and Türkiye. With STM as the main contractor and nearly 30 local Turkish companies participating, the project showcases Türkiye's world-class expertise developed through pioneering programs like MILGEM, TCG Anadolu, TF-2000, and MILDEN.