Turkey has commenced steel cutting for its inaugural military ship set for export to Portugal, marking a significant advancement in defense collaboration between the two nations. The development involves the construction of two Auxiliary Oiler and Logistics Vessels, a project that stems from a contract signed in December 2024 in Lisbon, as reported by Turkiye Gazetesi.
These vessels are designed for extensive transoceanic missions, boasting an impressive operational range of 14,000 nautical miles (16,110 miles or 26,000 kilometers) at an economical speed of 14 knots (approximately 16 miles or 26 kilometers per hour). They will play a crucial role in various operations, including replenishment at sea, logistics support, amphibious missions, medical assistance, search and rescue, and humanitarian aid efforts.
Each of the ships is engineered to accommodate up to 20 light armored vehicles and is equipped with a flight deck and hangar suitable for both helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The initiative is backed by approximately 30 Turkish firms, with STM leading as the prime contractor. STM has indicated that the first vessel is scheduled for delivery within 36 months, while the second is expected to follow within 44 months.
In recent years, Turkey has expanded its international defense initiatives, establishing a diverse portfolio of global projects. Notably, Turkish Aerospace Industries has supplied armed Anka-S drones to countries like Qatar and Azerbaijan, enhancing their surveillance and strike capabilities. In addition, STM has successfully exported MILGEM-class Ada corvettes to Pakistan, while Roketsan has provided precision-guided munitions and short-range missile systems to Morocco.
This latest venture not only strengthens bilateral ties with Portugal but also underscores Turkey’s growing influence in the global defense sector.
