Türkiye Delivers First Military Ships to EU NATO Member Portugal.

According to a PR published by STM on December 17, 2024, the company has achieved a major export success by winning a contract to construct logistic support ships for the Portuguese Navy. This marks the first military ship export from Turkey to a European Union and NATO member state, underscoring Turkey’s growing influence in the global defense sector.
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STM secures a landmark deal to supply logistic support ships to Portugal, marking Turkey's first military ship export to a NATO and EU member state. (Picture source: STM)

The Portuguese Navy's tender for Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ships saw STM outperform leading global defense companies with its innovative engineering solutions. The Portuguese Navy selected STM’s proposal as the most efficient and capable. Under the agreement, two logistic support ships will be designed and constructed in Turkey by a private shipyard, with STM serving as the main contractor.

The contract signing ceremony took place on December 17, 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Turkey’s Defense Industry Agency President Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, Portuguese Navy Commander Adm. Henrique Gouveia e Melo, IdD President Carlos Félix, STM CEO Özgür Güleryüz, and high-ranking officials from the Portuguese Ministry of Defense.

During his speech at the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün highlighted the significance of the collaboration, emphasizing the rapid growth of Turkey’s defense industry and its capability to produce advanced warships. He described the agreement as the first defense procurement project between Portugal and Turkey, positioning it as a foundation for future collaboration in unmanned naval systems, electronic warfare, shipbuilding, and modernization projects. STM CEO Özgür Güleryüz expressed pride in strengthening the Portuguese Navy’s modern capabilities. He described this agreement as a milestone.

The Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ships will feature a modular and multi-role design, ensuring they meet the strategic needs of the Portuguese Navy. These ships, with a length of 137 meters and a displacement of 11,000 tons, will achieve a maximum speed exceeding 18 knots and sustain continuous operations for up to 90 days. They will accommodate 100 mission personnel and an additional 100 crew, with capacity to transport up to 20 light tactical armored vehicles.

The logistic support ships are designed to execute critical missions, including replenishment at sea, transportation of armored vehicles for joint force deployments, and humanitarian operations such as disaster relief, search and rescue, and hospital services. Integrated command and control systems will enhance operational capabilities, while advanced communication technologies will ensure effective coordination.

These ships will incorporate modern defense systems, including close-in weapon systems (CIWS) for air defense, 12.7 mm remote-controlled weapon systems, chaff and decoy systems for electronic countermeasures, and dedicated platforms and hangars for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The project, which will begin construction in 2025, marks a significant step in STM’s international success. The company previously delivered the PNS MOAWIN replenishment tanker for the Pakistan Navy and two logistic support ships for the Turkish Navy, both of which have successfully participated in NATO-led international operations.