Turkey’s First Warship Export to a NATO and EU Member
Turkey has, for the first time, exported a warship to a NATO and European Union member state. Under an agreement signed between the Turkish Military Factory and Shipyard Management Inc. (ASFAT) and Romania, the light corvette TCG Akhisar has been delivered to the Romanian Navy.
In an official statement released by ASFAT, which operates under Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense, it was announced that the construction of the corvette was completed in 2024 at the Istanbul Shipyard Command and that the vessel has now successfully entered service with the Romanian fleet. The statement emphasized that this agreement represents a milestone in Turkey’s defense exports and elevates military cooperation between the two countries to a new level. The sale of this warship to a NATO and EU member was also described as a clear indicator of the reliability, quality, and technological capability of Turkey’s defense industry on the international stage.
ASFAT further noted that the addition of TCG Akhisar to the Romanian Navy strengthens regional maritime security and provides effective support for Romania’s naval modernization program.
Reaction of the President of the Turkish Defense Industry
Haluk Görgün, President of the Turkish Defense Industry (SSB), commented on the agreement: “The export of ASFAT’s first warship to a NATO and European Union member country is a significant milestone for Turkey’s defense industry. This achievement demonstrates our nation’s progress in the field of naval platforms, the global competitiveness of our defense sector, and the trust of our allies in our national capabilities.”
He added: “I wholeheartedly congratulate the ASFAT family, the Ministry of National Defense, and all stakeholders involved in this project. Turkey will continue its path of progress in the maritime domain by relying on its national capabilities and will achieve even greater successes in the future.”
