Overview
- The keel-laying took place on January 29, 2026, at ADA Shipyard in Istanbul with Portugal’s and Türkiye’s defense ministers, service chiefs, and industry leaders in attendance.
- STM is the prime contractor after winning Portugal’s tender over several international shipbuilders, advancing from a December 17, 2024 contract to design completion and a recent steel-cutting start.
- Each AOR+ vessel is specified at 137 meters and over 11,000 tonnes with speeds above 18 knots, 30-day endurance, and accommodation for about 100 personnel.
- Capabilities include at-sea fuel and cargo transfer, command-and-control, medical support, amphibious and humanitarian missions, search and rescue, and carriage of up to 20 light tactical armored vehicles via a stern ro-ro ramp.
- STM targets launch in 2027 and delivery in 2028, and Turkish defense officials say preparations for a second ship are underway with keel laying planned by June 2026.