Turkey has commenced steel cutting for its first-ever military ship destined for Portugal, marking the start of a major bilateral defense program. The initiative covers the construction of two Auxiliary Oiler and Logistics Vessels, ordered under a contract signed in Lisbon in late 2024. The milestone strengthens strategic ties between the two nations as Turkey expands its naval export portfolio.
Built for transoceanic missions, the ships offer an impressive 14,000-nautical-mile range at 14 knots and are designed to support a broad spectrum of naval operations. Their mission set includes at-sea replenishment, logistics transport, amphibious operations, medical support, humanitarian relief, and search-and-rescue duties. Equipped with a flight deck and hangar, each vessel can accommodate helicopters and UAVs, in addition to carrying up to 20 light armored vehicles.
The construction effort involves nearly 30 Turkish defense companies, coordinated by prime contractor STM. STM stated that the first ship will be ready within 36 months, while the second will follow eight months later, demonstrating Turkey’s growing production capacity in large-scale naval platforms.
Turkey’s defense exporters continue to broaden their international reach. Turkish Aerospace Industries has supplied Anka-S armed drones to Qatar and Azerbaijan, enhancing both nations’ ISR and strike capabilities. STM has previously collaborated with Pakistan on MILGEM-class Ada corvette production, while Roketsan has provided guided munitions and short-range missile systems to Morocco, reinforcing Turkey’s presence in the global defense equipment market.
