New contract secures four national coast guard ships for Türkiye

July 29, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

In a major step toward strengthening national maritime defense, Türkiye has signed a landmark contract for four indigenously built national coast guard ships with domestic TAIS Shipyards.

The agreement, signed between the Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB) and TAİS Shipyards, was formalized in the presence of Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün at the IDEF 2025 defense industry exhibition.

It represents Türkiye’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing and enhanced naval presence across strategic waterways.

The vessels—designed and constructed entirely within Türkiye—are expected to serve across a wide operational theater, including Türkiye’s exclusive economic zones (EEZ), territorial waters, and open seas. According to the SSB, the ships will be equipped with advanced capabilities to address a full spectrum of maritime operations.

The new Coast Guard vessels will undertake a wide range of critical missions. They will enforce Türkiye’s sovereignty rights in both national and international waters, while actively working to prevent illicit maritime activities such as smuggling, human trafficking, and piracy.

Their presence will serve as a visible deterrent to regional threats, enhancing national security through sustained naval operations. In times of crisis, the ships will be equipped to conduct urgent search and rescue missions, saving lives at sea. Continuous patrol and surveillance duties will help maintain maritime domain awareness across vast oceanic stretches.

Additionally, the vessels will play a key role in protecting Türkiye’s marine resources and safeguarding economic interests within the exclusive economic zone. In the aftermath of natural disasters, the ships will support humanitarian aid and relief operations. Designed for high endurance and stability, they will also remain operational in challenging sea conditions, ensuring uninterrupted mission readiness.

The first ship is scheduled for delivery within 26 months, with subsequent vessels expected to follow under a phased production and deployment timeline.

To remind, TAIS Shipyards recently signed a contract with Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense for the construction of two MILGEM Istif-class frigates.