In a remarkable development in international defense cooperation, Portugal has awarded a contract to a Turkish company for the construction of two advanced logistics support vessels. This milestone signifies the growing strength and global presence of Turkey’s defense industry, marking the first instance of the country exporting military ships to a European Union (EU) and NATO member state.
The agreement, signed on December 17, 2024, in Lisbon, will see the construction of two Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ships tailored to meet the operational requirements of the Portuguese Navy. The vessels will be built with a flexible, modular design, capable of supporting various logistics and operational roles, including replenishment at sea and amphibious operations.
These ships will also serve a range of humanitarian needs, such as medical missions, search and rescue operations, and providing assistance during crises, reinforcing the versatility of the logistics supply chain in maritime environments. With a length of 137 meters and a displacement of 11,000 tons, the ships are designed to operate at speeds over 18 knots, offering sustained operations for up to 90 days, ensuring the Portuguese Navy’s capacity to maintain effective supply chains in diverse conditions.
The project will take place in a Turkish shipyard, with construction set to begin in 2025. The partnership is expected to enhance the supply chain capabilities of both nations and contribute to the continued growth of Turkey’s defense and shipbuilding sectors.
#ICTTMNews #BreakingNews #SupplyChainInnovation #LogisticsSupport #InternationalPartnership #DefenseCollaboration #NewsUpdate
