In a significant step towards strengthening national defense capabilities and reducing foreign dependency, Turkey has announced that all four vessels being built under the Open Sea Patrol Vessel Project will be equipped with indigenously developed helicopter platforms.
Led by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), the project aims to expand the benefits of localization across naval platforms. A major milestone in this effort was recently achieved with the signing of a strategic agreement between HeliPLAT Inc. and Dearsan Shipyard, the contractor responsible for building the vessels.
Under the agreement, HeliPLAT — Turkey’s only certified helicopter platform engineering and certification company — will provide a comprehensive range of services including engineering design, certification in line with both national and international aviation standards, testing procedures, and operational training for mission teams, end-users, and technical staff.
Enhancing Naval Operations Through Indigenous Technology
The new helicopter platforms are set to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Turkish Naval Forces by enabling helicopter operations at international standards. These platforms will support a wide array of missions, ranging from rapid response and emergency evacuation to search and rescue operations in both national and international waters.
Fuat Akpınar, Chairman of the Board at HeliPLAT Inc., emphasized the strategic importance of the project in an interview with Anadolu Agency:
“This initiative marks a crucial step in Turkey’s nationalization roadmap in defense technologies. Through our collaboration with Dearsan Shipyard, we will implement indigenous engineering solutions in the design, testing, and certification of helicopter platforms. Our goal is to deliver high-performance, safe, and operationally capable helicopter decks that comply with global aviation standards.”
Akpınar highlighted that HeliPLAT’s involvement goes far beyond technical support and represents a broader shift towards strategic autonomy in defense:
“This cooperation showcases our country’s determination to reduce foreign reliance and develop native capabilities. As the only platform certification company in the region, HeliPLAT is proud to take on this responsibility and contribute to Turkey’s technological transformation.”
Export Potential and Civil Applications
Beyond strengthening the Turkish Navy, the indigenous helicopter platforms are expected to open new opportunities in the global defense market. By setting a new standard for performance and reliability, the platforms may boost Turkey’s position as a competitive exporter of defense technologies.
In addition to military use, the helicopter platforms developed by HeliPLAT have versatile applications across sectors — including emergency landing zones in ports, rooftop helipads, helicopter taxi services, air ambulances, and commercial transport operations.
The Open Sea Patrol Vessel Project, backed by cutting-edge indigenous solutions like these, reflects Turkey’s broader ambitions to achieve technological self-sufficiency and expand its footprint in the global defense industry.
