Turkiye wins its first-ever military ship export contract with NATO member state

For the first time in its history, Turkiye has secured a contract to export military ships to a country that is both a European Union and NATO member.

The Turkish defence technologies company STM won a tender to construct two logistical support ships for the Portuguese Navy, outperforming several leading global companies.

A signing ceremony for the project took place in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, attended by Turkish officials and representatives of the Portuguese Navy.

During his speech at the ceremony, Haluk Gorgun, head of Turkiye’s Defence Industries Agency, stated: “Turkiye is among the ten nations worldwide capable of producing its own warships.” He highlighted that Turkiye has begun exporting these ships to allied nations.

The STM’s General Manager, Ozgur Guleryuz, added: “It is a source of pride for us that Portugal, a historically leading country in maritime transport, has chosen Turkiye and STM to build a modern ship tailored to its needs.”

Construction of the two ships is scheduled to commence in 2025.

The logistical support ships will be 137 metres long and have a top speed exceeding 18 knots. They can operate continuously at sea for up to 90 days, carry up to 20 light tactical armoured vehicles, and accommodate a total of 200 personnel, including 100 crew members and 100 external personnel.

The ships will be equipped with air defence systems, remotely controlled 12.7mm guns, and various advanced sensors and systems. They will also have platforms for drones.

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