Türkiye makes inroads into NATO market with shipbuilding deal

Türkiye is set to produce military ships for a NATO country for the first time, as the Turkish company STM signed a historic deal to build logistics support vessels for the Portuguese Navy. This marks a significant milestone, with Turkish engineering playing a key role in the process. Experts suggest that this achievement opens the door for more such export deals in the future. STM recently secured a contract for two logistics support ships for Portugal, defeating strong competition. This move marks Türkiye's first-ever military ship export to an EU and NATO member country, expanding beyond its traditional markets in Africa and Turkic republics. Kozan Selçuk Erkan, a defense and maritime expert, highlights that Türkiye is one of only 10 countries capable of producing its own warships. He notes that countries like Ukraine, Malaysia, and Pakistan have benefited from Türkiye's advanced naval platforms, which include surface ships and submarines. WHY IS SELLING MILITARY SHIPS TO PORTUGAL SIGNIFICANT? While NATO membership is important, Erkan emphasizes that Portugal's deep maritime history and the fact that the ships will be built in Türkiye should not be overlooked. He explains that Türkiye's ability to meet specific demands and deliver on promises plays a crucial role in securing such contracts, making the country a reliable partner in the global defense industry. FLEXIBILITY AND RELIABILITY OF TURKISH ENGINEERING Erkan explains that flexibility in adapting to the customer's needs and providing cost-effective solutions is one of the reasons Portugal chose Türkiye. He also highlights that these ships will be versatile, capable of transporting armored vehicles, conducting amphibious operations, and transferring fuel and cargo at sea. According to Erkan, Türkiye is one of the few countries capable of designing and building such multi-role vessels. OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE COLLABORATIONS Erkan also suggests that Türkiye may engage in future projects with Portugal, such as the modernization of frigates or offshore patrol vessels. He predicts that similar deals with other countries, particularly in the Western market, could become more frequent. With Türkiye now ranked among the top four countries in terms of military ship production and tonnage in the West, this deal with Portugal strengthens the country's position in global maritime defense.