Portugal has awarded Turkish defense company STM a contract to build two Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ships (AOR+) for the navy.
The deal is part of Lisbon’s goal to increase its military fleet’s “capacity” and “sustain logistics support” for domestic and international missions.
Each vessel will be designed to move fuel, naval components and equipment, aviation supplies, water, and ammunition, and has the option to integrate additional medical capabilities to support disaster relief.
STM will facilitate the construction in Turkey starting in 2025. The ships are scheduled to arrive by 2028.
“The vessels will feature an original design and modular architecture tailored to optimally meet the strategic objectives and operational requirements of the Portuguese Navy,” STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz stated during the contract signing.
“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.”
Milestone for Turkish Government
The Ankara-based contractor noted that its project with the Portuguese Navy is a significant achievement for the Turkish government, as it is the first time the country will export military ships to an EU and NATO member state.
“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,” Turkish Defense Industries VP Prof. Dr. İhsan Kaya commented.
“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.”
Portugal’s Future AOR+ Ship
The Portuguese Navy’s Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ship will have an overall length of 137 meters (449 feet) and accommodations for up to 200 personnel.
It will have a specialized sensor and weapon suite for anti-aircraft warfare, a landing platform for helicopters, a hangar for unmanned aerial systems, and spaces for around 20 light tactical armored vehicles.
The vessel will have a top speed over 18 knots (33 kilometers/21 miles per hour), a range of 14,000 nautical miles (25,928 kilometers/16,111 miles), and endurance of up to 90 days.
Alongside resupply and disaster relief, the ship will support command and control, search and rescue, and other “regional power projection” missions.
