Türkiye Signs Historic Military Ship Export Deal
Türkiye to make first military ship export to NATO, EU nation
Türkiye has made a significant stride in its defense industry by signing its first military ship export agreement with a member of the European Union (EU) and NATO. This landmark deal involves the domestic defense manufacturer STM, which will design and produce two vessels: an Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and a Logistics Ship. These vessels are intended to meet the operational needs of the Portuguese Navy. The signing ceremony took place in Lisbon, attended by high-ranking officials from both countries’ defense and naval forces.
A New Era of Defense Cooperation
The agreement marks a pivotal moment for Türkiye, as it establishes a formal military partnership with Portugal, a NATO ally. Haluk Görgün, the head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), expressed pride in this achievement. He highlighted the importance of developing strong defense cooperation with NATO allies, emphasizing that this agreement showcases the trust placed in the Turkish defense industry and its engineering capabilities.
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During the ceremony, Görgün noted that Türkiye’s defense sector has been actively working to meet the needs of its security units. With a sector turnover exceeding $15 billion and an R&D expenditure of over $2.5 billion, Türkiye has positioned itself as a leader in defense technology. The country is now among the top three globally in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology and is one of only ten nations capable of producing its own warships. This agreement not only enhances Türkiye’s military capabilities but also opens doors for future collaborations in various defense sectors.
The Vessels and Their Capabilities
The two ships, designed for the Portuguese Navy, will be 137 meters long and have a displacement of 11,000 tons. They are engineered to achieve a maximum speed of over 18 knots and can remain at sea for up to 90 days without resupply. The construction of these vessels is set to begin in 2025 in Türkiye, marking a significant investment in the country’s naval capabilities.
STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz emphasized the company’s commitment to representing the Turkish defense industry on the global stage. He pointed out that STM has successfully completed various projects for countries like Ukraine, Malaysia, and Pakistan. Notably, the Navy Replenishment Tanker PNS MOAWIN, designed for the Pakistani Navy, has been operational since 2018. Güleryüz expressed pride in signing the contract for the Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ships, which will further strengthen defense cooperation between Türkiye and Portugal.
Admiral Henrique Eduardo Passalaqua de Gouveia e Melo of the Portuguese Navy also acknowledged the significance of this partnership. He noted that Türkiye’s robust military industry was a key factor in their decision to collaborate. Both nations see potential for strong partnerships not only in maritime operations but also in unmanned systems, which could contribute to their technological sovereignty and economic growth.
