STM Presents Türkiye’s New Fast Attack Craft at IDEF 2025 Marking a Step Towards Naval Autonomy.

At IDEF 2025 in Istanbul, STM unveiled the first model of Türkiye’s new National Fast Attack Craft (FAC), marking a turning point in the country’s naval modernization efforts. Developed entirely with domestic capabilities, this high-speed combat platform is set to become a central asset for Türkiye’s maritime defense under the Mavi Vatan doctrine. With construction already underway, the FAC showcases a blend of indigenous innovation, strategic autonomy, and combat versatility. This milestone reaffirms Türkiye’s commitment to reducing foreign dependency in naval systems.
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STM’s National Fast Attack Craft, presented for the first time at IDEF 2025, signals a transformative leap in Türkiye’s naval defense strategy (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The new National Fast Attack Craft developed by STM for the Turkish Naval Forces is a 68-meter, 700-ton platform tailored for high-speed surface warfare missions in littoral and offshore environments. Designed with a low radar and infrared signature, it can operate in shallow waters under challenging sea states. Armed with Roketsan's ATMACA anti-ship missiles, the MKE 76mm DENIZHAN naval gun, and either Roketsan LEVENT or Aselsan GOKSUR close-in defense systems, the FAC integrates a full spectrum of indigenous capabilities. Sensor systems, including the CENK-300/350 AESA radar, AKREP fire control radar, ARES electronic warfare suite, and KATS laser warning system, are provided by Aselsan, ensuring interoperability and real-time combat awareness. Propelled by four steerable waterjets driven by diesel engines, the vessel reaches speeds above 39 knots, with onboard accommodation for 36 personnel and fully automated systems for efficient operation.

This national project, initiated with the Phase 1 contract signed on August 31, 2020, reflects Türkiye’s growing expertise in military shipbuilding. The development process involved a comprehensive engineering cycle, including concept selection, structural optimization, and the creation of complete design packages for production. STM was officially awarded the construction contract on September 9, 2024, and the first steel-cutting ceremony took place on July 8, 2025. Construction is currently ongoing at the Istanbul Denizcilik A.Ş. Shipyard. This project marks Türkiye’s first completely indigenous fast attack platform, an evolution from decades of reliance on German-built FACs, mirroring the country’s path in transitioning from foreign-designed corvettes and frigates to the MILGEM-class and I-class programs.

Compared to previous FACs in Turkish service, this vessel offers superior combat flexibility, reduced crew requirements through automation, and greater indigenous content. Unlike German-designed FPBs or earlier Kılıç-class ships, the new national FAC introduces modularity and combat management systems aligned with NATO’s Link 11/22 standards. Its stealth-optimized structure and higher survivability under electronic warfare threats align with modern naval combat doctrines. When compared globally, it brings Türkiye into the same league as regional players deploying advanced FACs like Israel's Sa'ar 5 or Sweden's Visby-class, though Türkiye’s design favors firepower and sea denial missions with a more robust missile loadout.

Strategically, the National FAC embodies the core tenets of the "Mavi Vatan" (Blue Homeland) doctrine, which emphasizes the defense of Türkiye’s maritime sovereignty across the Eastern Mediterranean, Aegean Sea, and Black Sea. Its deployment will strengthen the Turkish Navy’s deterrence posture through distributed lethality, allowing swarming tactics and coastal dominance in contested waters. The vessel’s design prioritizes survivability in asymmetric maritime zones, supporting operations such as exclusive economic zone (EEZ) enforcement, counter-infiltration, and rapid strike missions. As regional maritime competition intensifies, particularly with Greek and Egyptian naval modernization, the FAC reinforces Türkiye’s capacity to project power from a position of technological sovereignty.

Financially, the National Fast Attack Craft project demonstrates Türkiye’s drive to internalize its defense supply chain. The prototype contract signed in 2024 has enabled full-scale national production, and STM is set to deliver at least ten vessels under this phase, with further exports or domestic orders likely to follow depending on evolving requirements. The heavy integration of local suppliers such as Roketsan, Aselsan, and MKE supports the national economy while minimizing external dependencies. Although budget details have not been disclosed, the cost-efficiency gained through local production and modular outfitting is expected to make the platform attractive to other navies, particularly those seeking littoral combat vessels in the Gulf, Asia, or Africa.

STM’s National Fast Attack Craft, presented for the first time at IDEF 2025, signals a transformative leap in Türkiye’s naval defense strategy. Entirely designed and built with domestic capabilities, the platform will play a pivotal role in enforcing Türkiye’s maritime doctrine while asserting its position as a sovereign naval power. With indigenous systems integrated from keel to mast, the FAC not only strengthens the Turkish Navy but also opens new prospects for international defense cooperation and exports. As the first hull advances through construction, the project encapsulates the ambition of a nation redefining its maritime destiny through engineering, strategy, and self-reliance.