STM Begins Construction of Türkiye’s First Indigenous Fast Attack Craft

Türkiye has officially begun construction of its first domestically designed fast attack craft (FAC) under the National FAC Project. Defense contractor STM laid the keel for the lead vessel on October 10, 2025, marking a key milestone in Ankara’s efforts to modernize its littoral naval forces with high-speed, missile-armed platforms built entirely with national resources.

Keel Laid for First Indigenous FAC at Istanbul Naval Shipyard

The keel-laying ceremony took place at Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command in Tuzla and was attended by senior officials from the Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MSB), Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), Turkish Navy (DzKK), and executives from STM. This event marks the formal start of hull construction for what will be Türkiye’s first fast attack craft designed entirely by domestic engineers and shipbuilders.

The program is part of a broader push by Ankara to reduce foreign dependence in critical defense sectors while strengthening deterrence in contested maritime zones such as the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. According to STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz, “This platform will be equipped with all national systems including combat management systems, sensors, weapons and electronic warfare capabilities.”

National FAC Design Based on MILGEM Experience

The new fast attack craft design draws heavily on experience gained through the MILGEM corvette/frigate program but is optimized for high-speed littoral operations. While detailed specifications remain classified, open-source imagery and statements suggest a vessel length of approximately 65–70 meters with a displacement likely between 600–800 tons.

The hull form appears to feature stealth shaping and reduced radar cross-section characteristics similar to MILGEM-class vessels. The propulsion system is expected to support speeds exceeding 35 knots—critical for hit-and-run missile tactics in confined waters. STM has emphasized modularity and open architecture in its design approach to allow future upgrades.

All-Domestic Combat Suite from Aselsan and Roketsan

A defining feature of the National FAC is its fully indigenous combat system suite:

Combat Management System: Developed by HAVELSAN or Aselsan (unconfirmed), likely based on GENESIS architecture used aboard other Turkish warships.
Sensors: Multi-function radar (possibly Aselsan MAR-D or equivalent), EO/IR surveillance systems, navigation radar—all domestically produced.
Electronic Warfare: Integrated EW suite including ESM/ECM components developed by Aselsan.
Main Armament: Likely includes Atmaca anti-ship missiles from Roketsan housed in vertical or angled launch canisters; close-in defense via Gökdeniz CIWS or stabilized remote weapon stations such as STOP or STAMP series.
Torpedo Countermeasures: Potential integration of HIZIR torpedo countermeasure system developed by ASELSAN/ARMELSAN.

This all-domestic loadout reflects Türkiye’s maturing defense industrial base across naval electronics and guided munitions sectors—key elements in achieving operational sovereignty at sea.

Strategic Role in Littoral Warfare Doctrine

The National FACs are intended to replace aging Doğan-class missile boats acquired from Germany during the Cold War era. These new vessels will serve as agile strike platforms capable of rapid deployment across Türkiye’s extensive coastline—particularly suited for asymmetric deterrence missions near disputed maritime zones like those near Greece or Cyprus.

Their speed and low signature make them ideal for swarm tactics alongside unmanned surface vessels (USVs) currently under development by Turkish firms such as ARES Shipyard and Sefine Shipyard. Analysts suggest that these new FACs could operate within a networked kill chain supported by UAVs like Bayraktar TB3 or ANKA-III providing over-the-horizon targeting data via SATCOM or naval datalinks like Link-ZA/B.

Timeline and Production Outlook

The exact number of ships planned under the National FAC project remains undisclosed; however, initial reports suggest an initial tranche of four vessels with potential expansion depending on budgetary allocations post-2028. STM is leading platform design and integration while collaborating with key subcontractors including:

MILSOFT/HAVELSAN: Software integration & CMS development
Aselsan: Sensors & EW systems
Roketsan: Missile armament & launchers
Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command: Fabrication & final assembly

If construction proceeds on schedule, sea trials could begin as early as late-2026 with commissioning into Turkish Navy service projected around mid-2027. The program may also serve as a springboard for export variants tailored to regional allies seeking affordable littoral combatants without Western export restrictions.