Turkey has commenced steel cutting for its inaugural military ship being exported to Portugal, underscoring deepening defense collaboration between the two countries. The work covers two Auxiliary Oiler and Logistics Vessels under a contract awarded in Lisbon in December 2024.
Engineered for global missions, the vessels will achieve a 14,000-nautical-mile (16,110-mile/26,000-kilometer) reach at an economical 14 knots and support a broad mission set, including replenishment at sea, logistics support, amphibious operations, medical aid, SAR, and humanitarian tasks.
The ships will hold up to 20 light armored vehicles and incorporate a helicopter/UAV-capable flight deck and hangar. Approximately 30 Turkish firms are involved, with STM leading the program. Delivery timelines call for the first vessel in 36 months and the second in 44 months.
Turkey’s defense industry has expanded internationally, with Turkish Aerospace Industries delivering Anka-S drones to Qatar and Azerbaijan, STM supplying Ada-class corvettes to Pakistan, and Roketsan exporting precision-guided weapons and short-range missile systems to Morocco.
