Turkiye has achieved a significant milestone by exporting military vessels to Portugal, marking its first such export to a European Union and NATO member country. The agreement involves the design and construction of two Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ships (AOR) for the Portuguese Navy, with STM acting as the main contractor.
The contract was formalized on December 17, 2024, in Lisbon, during a ceremony attended by key figures including Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, President of the Presidency of Defense Industries; Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo, Commander of the Portuguese Navy; and STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz.
These AOR vessels are designed to provide logistical support, including fuel and cargo transfer at sea, and can carry up to 20 light tactical armored vehicles. Their modular design allows for versatility in missions such as humanitarian aid, search and rescue, and hospital services during crises. Each ship will have a length of 137 meters, a displacement of 11,000 tons, and a maximum speed exceeding 18 knots.
This export not only underscores Turkiye’s growing capabilities in military shipbuilding but also strengthens defense cooperation between Turkiye and Portugal, paving the way for future collaborations in unmanned maritime vehicles, electronic warfare systems, and naval modernization projects.
