Turkey has started steel cutting for its first military ship for export to Portugal, signaling a new era of strategic defense cooperation between the two countries.
The construction is for two Auxiliary Oiler and Logistics Vessels, following a contract signed in Lisbon in December 2024, according to a report by Turkiye Gazetesi.
Designed for transoceanic missions with a range of 14,000 nautical miles (16,110 miles/26,000 kilometers) at an economical speed of 14 knots (16 miles/26 kilometers per hour), the vessels will support replenishment at sea, logistics operations, amphibious missions, medical assistance, search and rescue, and humanitarian aid.
Each ship can carry up to 20 light armored vehicles and feature a flight deck and hangar capable of accommodating helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Approximately 30 Turkish companies are contributing to the effort, with STM acting as the prime contractor. STM confirmed that the first ship is scheduled for delivery in 36 months, followed by the second in 44 months.
Turkey’s Global Defense Projects
Turkey has built a diverse portfolio of international defense projects in recent years.
Turkish Aerospace Industries supplied armed Anka-S drones to Qatar and Azerbaijan, providing long-endurance surveillance and strike capabilities.
STM collaborated and exported MILGEM-class Ada corvettes to Pakistan, while Roketsan delivered precision-guided munitions and short-range missile systems to Morocco.
