{"id":33883,"date":"2026-02-02T00:01:31","date_gmt":"2026-02-01T22:01:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=33883"},"modified":"2026-02-02T08:14:36","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T06:14:36","slug":"turkiye-begins-construction-of-first-naval-support-ship-for-portugal-in-landmark-defense-export-to-nato-ally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/turkiye-begins-construction-of-first-naval-support-ship-for-portugal-in-landmark-defense-export-to-nato-ally\/","title":{"rendered":"Turkiye begins construction of first naval support ship for Portugal in landmark defense export to NATO ally"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

6 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkiye\u2019s STM laid keel for Portugal\u2019s naval support ship at Ada Shipyard in Istanbul, marking a milestone in defense cooperation between Turkiye and Portugal. This would be Turkiye\u2019s first naval export to an EU and NATO member state.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project is being headed by Turkish shipbuilder STM under a contract signed in Lisbon in December 2024.\u00a0 The contract covers the construction of two Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) and Logistics Support Ships for the Portuguese Navy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The vessels are intended to significantly enhance Portugal\u2019s naval endurance, operational reach, and multi-mission capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s defense industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"The<\/a>
The keel laying ceremony for the first logistics support ship of the Portuguese Navy under construction in Istanbul took place on January 29, 2026, at ADA Shipyard. (Image Credit: STM)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two ships were approved under Portugal\u2019s Military Programming Law 2023\u201324, reflecting Lisbon\u2019s efforts to modernize its naval forces and enable its vessels to remain at sea for longer periods without returning to port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Turning Point in Cooperation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking at the ceremony, Portuguese Minister of Defense Nuno Melo described the event as a major milestone for Portugal\u2019s navy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToday\u2019s ceremony was a significant turning point in every respect,\u201d Melo said. \u201cThese 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He noted that the project combines the operational concepts and expertise of the Portuguese Navy with Turkiye\u2019s advanced maritime industry, describing the collaboration as a practical example of allied cooperation translated into concrete capability.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"STM<\/a>
STM begins construction of the Portuguese Navy’s two ships. (Image Credit: STM)<\/sup><\/em>

<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n


Historic Step for Turkiye and Portugal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are witnessing a significant turning point in relations between Turkiye and Portugal,\u201d Gorgun said. \u201cThe physical construction of the ships, as well as the strengthening of the foundations of the long-term partnership between the two countries, is crucial.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs two Mediterranean countries with deep-rooted maritime traditions, our connection to the sea defines our history and our future,\u201d he said. \u201cThis 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.\u201d
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccd \u0130stanbul | Ada Tersanesi
\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf7\ud83e\udd1d\ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddf9

Portekiz Donanmas\u0131 i\u00e7in in\u015fa edilecek Yard\u0131mc\u0131 Akaryak\u0131t \u0130kmal ve Lojistik Destek Gemisi\u2019nin ilk gemi k\u0131za\u011fa koyma t\u00f6reni; Portekiz Savunma Bakan\u0131 Nuno Melo ve Mill\u00ee Savunma Bakan\u0131m\u0131z Ya\u015far G\u00fcler\u2019in te\u015frifleriyle, \u0130stanbul\u2019da Ada Tersanesi\u2019nde\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/QAzYZdq3hT<\/a><\/p>— Prof. Dr. Haluk G\u00f6rg\u00fcn (@halukgorgun) January 29, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>