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Türkiye Launches First Ç159 Fast Landing Ship to Enhance Force Projection.
The first next-generation fast landing ship, Ç159, was launched during a ceremony at Anadolu Shipyard in Türkiye on 22 February 2025. This vessel, the first of a series of eight units built under a 2024 contract with the Presidency of Defense Industries, represents a significant step in strengthening the Turkish Navy’s amphibious capabilities. Following sea trials, Ç159 will officially enter service, while six more ships from the program are expected to be launched by 2025.
The ship is armed with two stabilized 12.7mm guns (STAMP) and two remotely controlled 25mm guns (STOP), supplied by Aselsan, for close-range defense. (Picture source: Anadolu Shipyard)
These new ships, among the fastest in their category, are designed for military missions as well as disaster relief operations in cases of fires, floods, or earthquakes. Classified by Türk Loydu, they have a displacement of 1,156 tons, a length of 79.9 meters, and a width of 11.7 meters.
Anadolu Shipyard has previous experience in fast-landing ships. Between 2009 and 2012, it delivered eight vessels of the Ç151 class to the Turkish military, including TCG Ç151 and TCG Ç158. Additionally, four of these ships were exported to Qatar and two to an unidentified African country.
During the launch ceremony, the President of the Presidency of Defense Industries, Haluk Görgün, emphasized that the institution's primary goal is to meet the needs of security forces by maximizing the use of local and national resources. He highlighted advances in indigenous electronic systems, including radar, communication, electronic warfare, and vertical launch systems. Over the past 23 years, these developments have increased the local content rate in Turkish naval platforms from 20% to 80%. Türkiye is now among the countries capable of designing, constructing, equipping, and maintaining a wide range of military vessels, including amphibious ships, support vessels, warships, submarine rescue ships, and unmanned naval systems.
Görgün also announced ongoing projects for a national aircraft carrier and a national submarine. He stressed Türkiye’s growing role in naval exports to countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Qatar. Recently, Türkiye signed its first military ship export contract with a European Union and NATO member state, involving the construction of two fleet replenishment and logistics support ships for the Portuguese Navy.
The new landing ship program was initiated in early 2024, and construction of the eight ships is progressing under the supervision of Anadolu Shipyard. Ç159 was launched only ten months after the contract was signed in April 2024. Görgün specified that the vessel will undergo sea trials before being officially handed over to the Turkish Navy this year, while the remaining seven ships will be completed within 27 months, ensuring the timely renewal of Türkiye’s amphibious capabilities.
Designed to enhance landing operations, Ç159 features advanced technical specifications. It is powered by two 3,400 kW engines, enabling a maximum speed of 20 knots. Its vehicle deck spans 410 m², accommodating up to three ALTAY main battle tanks or 260 marines, with a total load capacity of 420 tons. The ship is armed with two stabilized 12.7mm guns (STAMP) and two remotely controlled 25mm guns (STOP), supplied by Aselsan, for close-range defense.
The Ç159 program follows Türkiye’s efforts to develop a modern and responsive amphibious fleet. The previous Ç151-class ships had already improved landing operations with their speed and payload capacity. The new LCTs will continue to fulfill this role while incorporating performance and versatility enhancements. According to the project timeline, the first ship is scheduled to enter service in November 2025, with the final vessel expected to be delivered by May 2027.