IRIA News

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Turkiye’s STM laid keel for Portugal’s naval support ship at Ada Shipyard in Istanbul, marking a milestone in defense cooperation between Turkiye and Portugal. This would be Turkiye’s first naval export to an EU and NATO member state.

The project is being headed by Turkish shipbuilder STM under a contract signed in Lisbon in December 2024.  The contract covers the construction of two Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) and Logistics Support Ships for the Portuguese Navy.

The vessels are intended to significantly enhance Portugal’s naval endurance, operational reach, and multi-mission capabilities.

The keel-laying ceremony was attended by Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler, Portuguese Minister of Defense Nuno Melo, Head of the Presidency of Defense Industries Haluk Gorgun, STM General Manager Ozgur Guleryuz, ambassadors from both countries, senior commanders from the Portuguese and Turkish naval and air forces, and representatives of Turkiye’s defense industry.

The ships are designed to support joint force projection, amphibious operations, and a wide range of non-combat missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

They will be equipped with facilities for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, including dedicated hangars for drones, allowing for extended surveillance, logistics, and support operations at sea.

Their modular design and integrated communication systems are intended to enable multi-mission adaptability. In addition to command-and-control functions, the vessels will be capable of providing medical support, disaster response, and search and rescue operations, expanding their utility beyond traditional naval logistics roles.

A key feature of the ships is their capacity for at-sea replenishment and logistical support, including the transfer of fuel and cargo while underway. The vessels will also be able to transport armored vehicles to support joint and amphibious operations. Each ship will be fitted with a stern ramp and will be capable of carrying up to 20 light tactical armored vehicles.

The two ships were approved under Portugal’s Military Programming Law 2023–24, reflecting Lisbon’s efforts to modernize its naval forces and enable its vessels to remain at sea for longer periods without returning to port.

Turning Point in Cooperation

Speaking at the ceremony, Portuguese Minister of Defense Nuno Melo described the event as a major milestone for Portugal’s navy.

“Today’s ceremony was a significant turning point in every respect,” Melo said. “These ships represent a major step in the modernization of our navy. This modernization is taking shape here today. I would like to thank everyone involved in this important initiative.”

Melo emphasized that the project reflects a high level of trust between the Turkish and Portuguese navies and defense industries and demonstrates how cooperation between allies can extend beyond collective defense obligations within NATO through industrial partnerships.

He noted that the project combines the operational concepts and expertise of the Portuguese Navy with Turkiye’s advanced maritime industry, describing the collaboration as a practical example of allied cooperation translated into concrete capability.

Historic Step for Turkiye and Portugal

Haluk Gorgun, head of the Presidency of Defense Industries, said the keel-laying marked not only the physical start of construction but also the strengthening of long-term ties between Turkiye and Portugal.

“We are witnessing a significant turning point in relations between Turkiye and Portugal,” Gorgun said. “The physical construction of the ships, as well as the strengthening of the foundations of the long-term partnership between the two countries, is crucial.”

Describing the 2024 contract as a historic step for both STM and the Portuguese Navy, Gorgun underlined the shared maritime heritage of the two countries.

“As two Mediterranean countries with deep-rooted maritime traditions, our connection to the sea defines our history and our future,” he said. “This project is a shining symbol of our defense industry cooperation. It proves that when two allies share a common vision, we can transform our maritime heritage into modern strategic capabilities.”

📍 İstanbul | Ada Tersanesi
🇹🇷🤝🇵🇹

Portekiz Donanması için inşa edilecek Yardımcı Akaryakıt İkmal ve Lojistik Destek Gemisi’nin ilk gemi kızağa koyma töreni; Portekiz Savunma Bakanı Nuno Melo ve Millî Savunma Bakanımız Yaşar Güler’in teşrifleriyle, İstanbul’da Ada Tersanesi’nde… pic.twitter.com/QAzYZdq3hT

— Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün (@halukgorgun) January 29, 2026

Gorgun also highlighted the broader security context, noting that global security conditions are becoming increasingly complex and that solidarity within NATO is more important than ever.

“We believe in the importance of sharing our defense technologies and industrial capabilities to ensure common security,” he said. “This ship will be a critical element in meeting Portugal’s operational requirements under the new security concept.”

He added that Turkiye is determined to stand by its friends and allies and thanked all those involved in the realization of the project. Gorgun said Turkiye is looking forward to hosting Portuguese Ministry of Defense personnel who will work alongside Turkish engineers during the construction process.

Construction Timeline

STM General Manager Ozgur Guleryuz said the keel-laying marked an important threshold in the project, transforming detailed engineering work into a physical platform.

“We are proud to transfer our experience in developing platforms compliant with NATO standards, gained through 44 maritime projects carried out in 11 different shipyards, to Portugal, a friendly and allied country,” Guleryuz said.

He stated that STM plans to begin construction of the second ship later this year, with its keel scheduled to be laid by June 2026. According to the current timeline, both vessels are expected to be launched in 2027 and delivered to the Portuguese Navy in 2028.

“With a planned and rapid construction process, we aim to launch our ships in 2027 and deliver them to the Portuguese Navy in 2028,” Guleryuz said.

Gorgun confirmed that preparations for the second ship are already underway and that all necessary support will be provided to meet project schedules and technical requirements. He noted that the ships will be capable of conducting humanitarian aid, medical missions, and search and rescue operations in addition to their core logistics and replenishment roles.

Turkiye’s Naval Export

The project represents a significant achievement for Turkiye’s defense industry, as it marks the country’s first export of a military ship to an EU and NATO member state. Officials described it as a demonstration of confidence in Turkiye’s ability to deliver complex naval platforms that meet NATO standards and operational requirements.

STM officials said the company continues to position itself as a reliable partner for navies around the world, contributing to the defense capabilities of allied and friendly countries while expanding Turkiye’s role in the global military maritime market.

Following the speeches, the keel-laying ceremony was formally carried out at Ada Shipyard, concluding with a group photo session attended by senior officials and representatives from both countries.