Turkey has begun steel cutting for its first military vessel bound for Portugal, marking a significant step forward in the defense partnership between the two nations. The project involves two Auxiliary Oiler and Logistics Vessels, contracted in Lisbon in December 2024.
Built for long-range, transoceanic operations, the ships will boast a 14,000-nautical-mile (16,110-mile/26,000-kilometer) range at 14 knots and will support at-sea replenishment, logistics missions, amphibious operations, medical services, search and rescue, and humanitarian relief.
Each vessel will transport up to 20 light armored vehicles and include a flight deck and hangar for helicopters and UAVs. Around 30 Turkish companies are contributing to the program, with STM serving as prime contractor. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in 36 months and the second in 44 months.
Turkey has expanded its global defense footprint in recent years. Turkish Aerospace Industries has supplied Anka-S armed drones to Qatar and Azerbaijan, while STM exported MILGEM Ada-class corvettes to Pakistan. Roketsan has also provided Morocco with precision-guided munitions and short-range missile systems.
