Turkiye’s Begins Building First Warship for Portuguese Navy

Turkiye’s starts construction of 1st military ship for Portuguese Navy in a landmark ceremony held Sunday at Istanbul’s Ada Shipyard, marking a groundbreaking moment in European defense cooperation. As Turkiye’s starts construction of 1st military ship for Portuguese Navy, this project represents the first-ever export of a Turkish military naval platform to a NATO and European Union member state, establishing a new milestone in transatlantic defense industry collaboration.

Contract Details and Strategic Significance

The December 17, 2024 contract signed in Lisbon covers two Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ships for Portugal’s naval forces. Haluk Görgün, head of Turkiye’s Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), emphasized that this agreement laid not merely contractual foundations but historical ones, creating unprecedented defense ties between Turkiye and an EU member nation.

Advanced Capabilities

These versatile naval platforms will cruise economically at 14 knots while achieving an impressive 14,000 nautical mile range, enabling transoceanic mission execution. The ships are designed for diverse operations including replenishment at sea, logistics support, regional power projection, amphibious operations, medical assistance, search and rescue missions, and humanitarian aid delivery.

Cutting-Edge Technology Integration

The vessels will feature sophisticated communication systems, command-and-control infrastructure, comprehensive sensor suites, and integrated weapon systems. This advanced technological package will significantly enhance Portuguese Navy deterrent capabilities and strengthen long-term logistics operations for allied naval forces throughout the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions.

Multi-Mission Platform Design

Each ship can transport up to 20 light armored vehicles and includes dedicated flight deck and hangar facilities accommodating helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. These features position the platforms as critical assets for NATO-led joint operations, providing flexible deployment options across various maritime scenarios.

Turkish Naval Engineering Excellence

Görgün highlighted that Turkiye currently ranks among global leaders in simultaneous military vessel construction. This Portuguese contract, with STM serving as main contractor alongside nearly 30 Turkish companies, showcases the nation’s world-class maritime engineering expertise developed through pioneering programs including MILGEM corvettes, TCG Anadolu amphibious assault ship, TF-2000 destroyers, and MILDEN submarine projects.

European Recognition of Turkish Defense Industry

Portugal’s selection of Turkish shipbuilding represents significant validation of Turkiye’s defense manufacturing capabilities within Europe’s military industrial complex. The choice by an EU and NATO member reflects confidence not only in STM but in Turkiye’s entire defense sector, marking a transformative threshold in European defense cooperation.

Portugal’s Strategic Decision

Rear Admiral Joao Marques da Costa, director of the Portuguese Navy Ship Program, described the ceremony as inaugurating a new chapter of trust and shared vision between both nations. He emphasized the project transcends simple vessel construction, representing a strategic partnership addressing 21st-century security challenges through enhanced logistic support for national and allied operations.

Maritime Heritage Partnership

Görgün expressed particular pride that Portugal a nation with distinguished maritime traditions and a modern navy equipped with advanced warships, submarines, and unmanned surface vessels chose Turkiye as its shipbuilding partner. This selection builds not merely technical collaboration but enduring strategic friendship between two historically significant seafaring nations.

Production Timeline

STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz confirmed intensive work since contract signing, with design phases successfully completed. The first ship’s delivery is scheduled 36 months from the effective contract date, while the second vessel will follow at 44 months. Both platforms will substantially enhance Portuguese Navy regional operations and allied logistics support capabilities.

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Broader Implications for Turkish Defense Exports

This landmark project establishes precedent for future Turkish naval exports to European and NATO allies, demonstrating Turkiye’s maturation as a reliable defense industry partner. The successful execution could open additional opportunities within European defense markets, positioning Turkish shipyards as competitive alternatives for allied nations seeking advanced naval platforms with proven capabilities and competitive pricing structures.

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