Turkey's STM Lays Keel for First Portuguese Navy Support Vessel, Marking Historic Export

Historic Keel Laying Ceremony in Istanbul

Turkish shipbuilder STM (Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş.) has marked a significant milestone in naval cooperation by laying the keel of the first naval support vessel for the Portuguese Navy. The ceremony took place on January 29, 2026, at the Ada Shipyard in Istanbul, Turkey. This event is particularly notable as it represents Turkey's first military ship export to a member state of both the European Union and NATO.

The contract for the construction of two Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) and Logistics Support Ships was signed on December 17, 2024, in Lisbon. The project underscores a growing partnership in defense manufacturing between Turkey and Portugal.

High-Level Attendance and Strategic Importance

The keel-laying ceremony was attended by a host of high-ranking officials, emphasizing the strategic importance of this collaboration. Dignitaries included Portugal's National Defence Minister Nuno Melo and Turkey's National Defence Minister Yaşar Güler. Also present were the commanders of the naval and air forces from both countries, the President of the Secretariat of Defence Industries, Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, and the Chief of the Turkish Naval Forces, Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, alongside the Chief of the Portuguese Navy, Admiral Nobre de Sousa.

Minister Yaşar Güler highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, 'This project represents a significant gain for Türkiye and Portugal—two nations with deep-rooted maritime traditions—in terms of experience and technology sharing.' As a symbolic gesture of good luck and protection for the crew, a coin bearing the image of the poet Luís de Camões was minted on the keel.

Advanced Capabilities of the New Vessels

The vessels, classified as Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) and Logistics Support Ships (AOR+), are designed to significantly enhance the Portuguese Navy's capabilities. The first ship has been named NRP Luís de Camões (A5211). Each ship will have an overall length of 137 meters, a displacement of 11,000 tonnes, and a top speed exceeding 18 knots. They will also feature a range of 14,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots and accommodate 100 crewmembers and other personnel. The ships will be equipped with hybrid propulsion, combining diesel and electric systems.

Their versatile design allows for a multitude of missions, including:

• Joint force projection
• Amphibious operations
• Humanitarian missions and disaster relief
• Transfer of fuel and cargo at sea
• Transport of up to 20 light tactical armored vehicles
• Facilities for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including dedicated hangars

The modular design and integrated communication systems provide adaptability for various operational needs, including command and control and medical support.

Future Outlook

The total cost for the two ships is approximately €100 million, funded through Portugal's Military Programming Law for 2023–24. STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz announced that the construction of the second vessel is anticipated to begin later this year, with its keel-laying projected by June 2026. Both ships are planned to be operational and delivered to the Portuguese Navy by 2028.