IDEF 2025 Series – Instalment 4
One of the lesser-highlighted contracts signed during IDEF 2025—but one I personally find significant—is the agreement to procure four large patrol vessels for the Turkish Coast Guard.
While this contract may not have captured as much public attention as headline-grabbing deals like the export of the KAAN fighter jet to Indonesia, its long-term impact on Türkiye’s maritime security will be substantial. When the first of these ships enters service in just over two years, it will help bridge a crucial capability gap for the Coast Guard.
The Turkish Coast Guard has long needed an intermediate-class vessel that combines endurance, seakeeping, and multi-mission flexibility. Currently, the service operates four large offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), about 55 larger patrol craft between 29 and 40 meters in length, and roughly 200 smaller, fast interdiction boats.
While the smaller craft provide excellent rapid response capabilities and extended coastal coverage, they lack the endurance, crew comfort, and sea state resilience required for extended offshore operations. Conversely, the few large OPVs in the fleet are too scarce to maintain a persistent presence.
This new class of Coast Guard vessels is designed to fill that gap.
The newly signed contract calls for four vessels to be constructed by TAİS Shipyards. According to the official announcement, the ships will measure 68.1 meters in length, with a beam of 12 meters and a draft of 3 meters. They will displace approximately 980 tons. The maximum speed is expected to reach 22 knots, while the economic cruising speed will be 15 knots. With a range of 2,500 nautical miles, the ships will be capable of sustained operations in sea states up to level 7, and they will accommodate a crew of 60. The first ship is expected to be delivered in 26 months.
These new vessels are being designed with a wide-ranging operational profile in mind. Their primary mission is to strengthen enforcement of national sovereignty and uphold maritime law in Türkiye’s surrounding seas. They will serve as an effective deterrent against illicit activities and maritime threats in both coastal and open-sea environments.
In addition to law enforcement and deterrence, the vessels will be equipped to carry out a broad spectrum of duties, including search and rescue operations, constant reconnaissance, and maritime patrols. They are also expected to play an active role in safeguarding marine resources and responding to humanitarian needs in times of natural disaster.
Their robust construction and systems will enable them to maintain high operational capability in challenging sea conditions, ensuring an uninterrupted presence and rapid response across Türkiye’s exclusive economic zones and international waters alike.
The requirement for this class of ships was first identified back in 2012, and it’s encouraging to see it finally materialize into a firm acquisition program. Much like the Turkish Fast Attack Craft project, it reflects the maturing of longstanding national maritime ambitions.
While larger programs may dominate the headlines, these vessels represent a vital investment in everyday maritime security—one that will pay dividends in sovereignty protection, maritime safety, and strategic resilience.
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