NewsSTM to Build Naval Logistics Ships for the Portuguese Navy
STM, Türkiye's leading naval defence company, has outperformed some of the world's foremost naval and military shipbuilders to secure a contract to build logistics support vessels for the Portuguese Navy. Two Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ship (AOR+) will be designed and built in Türkiye, with STM as the main contractor. This marks the first instance of Türkiye exporting military ships to a European Union (EU) and NATO member state through STM.
STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş., known for developing modern systems and serving as a trusted partner to global navies, has achieved a significant export milestone.
In the Portuguese Navy’s logistics support vessel tender, STM emerged ahead of leading international competitors. The Portuguese Navy selected STM’s design and engineering solution as the most effective and awarded the contract to the Turkish company. This marks the first instance of Türkiye exporting military ships to a European Union (EU) and NATO member state through STM.
Under the AOR+ Project (Navio Reabastecedor de Esquadra e Logístico, NRE+ in Portuguese), STM will act as the main contractor. Two ships will be designed and constructed in a private Turkish shipyard, with construction scheduled to commence in 2025.
Contract Signed in Lisbon
The contract signing ceremony for the Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ships, aimed at strengthening ties between Türkiye and Portugal, was held on 17 December 2024 in Lisbon, the Portuguese capital. The ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, Secretary of Defence Industries of Türkiye; Adm. Henrique Gouveia e Melo, Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Navy; Carlos Félix, representative of the Portuguese Defence Industries Agency (IdD); Prof. Dr. İhsan Kaya, Vice President at Secretariat of Defence Industries; Özgür Güleryüz, General Manager of STM; as well as representatives from the Portuguese Ministry of Defence and the Portuguese Navy.
Görgün: Türkiye's first defence procurement project with Portugal
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Dr Haluk Görgün, delivered the following key messages:
“Today, we are signing a contract for two Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ships for the Portuguese Navy—our first defence procurement project with Portugal. Türkiye’s defence industry, has grown significantly in recent years. Türkiye, 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 Türkiye.
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.”
Güleryüz: Our First Naval Export to an EU and NATO Member
Özgür Güleryüz, General Manager of STM, highlighted their success in representing the Turkish defence industry on the global stage, stating: “While we continue to strengthen the Turkish Navy with our national platforms, we are also undertaking various surface and submarine projects for Ukraine, Malaysia, and Pakistan. With our engineering and design capabilities, combined with international experience, we implement swift, modular, cost-effective, and collaborative projects that are open to information sharing.”
Highlighting STM’s accomplishments in the field of logistics support vessels, Güleryüz continued:
“The Fleet Tanker PNS MOAWIN, designed for the Pakistan Navy, has been serving as the logistics support and flagship of the fleet since 2018. We have also built and delivered two logistics support ship for the Turkish Navy, which have participated in numerous international maritime operations, including NATO missions.
Today, we are proud to sign the contract for Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ships, a project that will enhance defence cooperation between Türkiye and Portugal. This milestone also represents Türkiye’s first naval ship export to an EU and NATO member country, marking a significant achievement in our defense industry. We deeply appreciate Portugal's vision for modern naval vessels that meet contemporary demands, as well as their decision to choose Türkiye and STM for this crucial endeavor.”
Multi-Role Capability
Providing details about the ships to be developed under STM’s leadership, Güleryüz stated: “The vessels will feature an original design and modular architecture tailored to optimally meet the strategic objectives and operational requirements of the Portuguese Navy. 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. The vessels will be constructed in Türkiye under STM’s leadership, with construction set to begin in 2025.”
Capable of Refueling at Sea, Transporting Armored Vehicles, and Providing Logistics Support
The construction of the Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ships, a project considered a significant milestone in showcasing Türkiye’s advancements in naval engineering, will feature a modular design. In addition to providing logistical support, transferring fuel and cargo at sea, the ships will have the capacity to transport armored vehicles, enabling them to support joint and amphibious operations. With an aft vehicle ramp, each vessel will be capable of carrying up to 20 light tactical armored vehicles.
Thanks to their modular, original, and versatile design, the vessels will also be equipped to undertake humanitarian aid, search and rescue, and medical missions during crises. Fitted with an Integrated Communication System, the ships will have command and control capabilities that will enable efficient fleet coordination.
90 Days Uninterrupted Deployment
The vessels, measuring 137 meters in length with a displacement of 11,000 tones and a maximum speed of over 18 knots, will be capable of operating continuously at sea for up to 90 days. Each ship will accommodate 100 personnel and transport up to 20 light tactical armored vehicles. Equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems, the ships will primarily support air defence operations while being capable of engaging in all principal warfare functions. The vessels will feature close-in weapon systems, 12.7 mm remote-controlled weapon systems and chaff/decoy systems, alongside a range of advanced sensors. For helicopter operations, the ships will include a landing platform for helicopters and UAVs, as well as a UAV hangar.
