Romania has signed a 223-million-euro ($260 million) agreement with Turkey to purchase a HISAR-class corvette, along with crew training and full logistics support. The acquisition forms part of a multi-year effort to modernize Romania’s naval fleet with vessels capable of protecting critical maritime assets and conducting high-intensity operations in the Black Sea. The Ministry of National Defence confirmed that the contract covers the ship, personnel training, and a sustainment package to ensure the vessel is mission-ready upon arrival. Approval for the program progressed through Romania’s defense decision-making structure in 2025, receiving clearance from the Homeland Defence Supreme Council in March and unanimous backing from parliamentary defense committees in September. The HISAR-class corvette is a 2,300-ton, 99-meter multi-role platform equipped for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine missions. Its weapons include an OTO Melara 76mm gun, RAM launchers, Mk 32 triple torpedo tubes, and multiple remote weapon stations. A modern 3D radar, sonar, and electronic warfare suite enable threat detection and networked operations. Turkish HISAR corvettes have seen extensive use in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean Sea, conducting maritime security patrols, escort missions, and anti-submarine surveillance. They have frequently participated in NATO drills, including Dynamic Manta, demonstrating strong interoperability and advanced warfighting capability. The class is also employed for infrastructure protection missions, including safeguarding offshore energy facilities and monitoring strategic shipping routes.
