STM To Supply Support Ships To Portuguese Navy

Turkish defence firm STM has bagged a deal to build two new logistics support vessels for the Portuguese Navy.

The contractor will begin construction next year on two Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ships (AOR+) in Turkey; delivery of the vessels to the Portuguese Navy is scheduled to take place in 2028.

The modular design of the AOR+ ships will mean that as well as being able to transfer fuel and cargo at sea, the ships will have the capacity to transport up to 20 light tactical armored vehicles to support joint and amphibious operations.

Capable of supporting air-defence operations, each ship will feature a close-in weapon system (CIWS), a 12.7 mm remote-controlled cannon and chaff/decoy systems, alongside a range of advanced sensors. The vessels' features include a landing platform for helicopters and UAVs, as well as a UAV hangar.

The 137-metre ships will have a displacement of 11,000 tones and a maximum speed of more than 18 knots; they will be capable of operating continuously at sea for up to 90 days. 

As per a recent company press statement, the agreement, signed in Lisbon on Tuesday, marks the first example of the Turkish firm exporting military ships to a European Union and NATO member state.

Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, Turkey's Secretary of Defence Industries, commented: "Turkey, which is one of the 10 countries in the world that manufactures its own warships, has now started to produce these products as well as export them to our friendly and allied countries. Developing strong defence and defence industry cooperation with our NATO Allies is a top priority for Turkey.

"We also see this agreement as a step towards greater cooperation in other areas, such as unmanned maritime vehicles, electronic warfare systems, and further shipbuilding and naval modernization projects. We look forward to working together, ensuring timely, high-quality results that will help the Portuguese Navy meet its operational needs for years to come.”

Özgür Güleryüz, General Manager of STM, added: “With their innovative design and multi-role functionality, the Logistics Support Vessels will be capable of conducting joint force projection, amphibious operations, and replenishment at sea. They will boast greater speed and cargo capacity compared to ships of similar size.

"We believe these ships will make a significant contribution to the Portuguese Navy’s regional operations as a key player in the Atlantic and to NATO missions.”

• You can read more details on the STM website and the Portuguese Navy website