Turkey’s shipbuilding company, Dearsan, has made significant progress in its production contract with the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces, officially launching the first of two Fast Attack Craft (FAC) 50. This development marks a crucial advancement in the project initiated in 2024, with the vessel entering the water at Dearsan’s Istanbul shipyard in mid-November, just under a year after laying its keel.
This milestone not only signifies the transition into the outfitting phase but also reflects the company’s efficiency, as work on the second hull is reportedly progressing on schedule. Following the completion of necessary protocols, the lead vessel is set to undergo a series of sea trials in Turkish waters. Subsequent testing will take place in Qatar before it is anticipated to enter service around 2027. The second craft is expected to be delivered approximately two months after the first.
Once operational, the FAC 50 vessels will enhance Qatar’s naval capabilities in critical maritime regions such as the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea. This initiative aligns with Qatar’s efforts to bolster its maritime security framework amid escalating regional competition and demands for enhanced naval presence.
The FAC 50’s design is an upgraded version of Dearsan’s 43-meter fast attack craft, modified to a length of 51 meters to accommodate additional combat systems as requested by Doha. The vessels are tailored for high-intensity operations in both littoral and open-sea environments, offering robust capabilities for surface warfare, air defense, and confronting asymmetric threats.
Equipped with an advanced weapons suite, the FAC 50 boasts significant firepower, including Roketsan ÇAKIR anti-ship missiles, Roketsan Sungur surface-to-air missiles, a Leonardo 40-millimeter main gun, Aselsan STAMP remote weapon stations, and 12.7-millimeter support machine guns. The craft’s propulsion system comprises three diesel engines, enabling it to achieve speeds exceeding 36 knots (67 kilometers or 41 miles per hour) and allowing for accommodations for up to 30 personnel on board.
As Qatar continues to enhance its defensive capabilities, the FAC 50 program underscores the strategic partnership between Turkey and Qatar in the realm of defense and naval operations.
