Romania acquires Turkish Hisar-class corvette to modernize fleet

December 4, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Romania has signed an intergovernmental contract with the Republic of Türkiye for the purchase of a Hisar-class corvette, marking a major step in strengthening the country’s naval capabilities in the Black Sea region.

The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, December 3, at the Ministry of National Defence headquarters in Bucharest. Brigadier General Ion-Cornel Pleșa, head of the General Directorate for Armaments, signed on behalf of Romania, while Mustafa İlbaş, CEO of ASFAT, a state-owned defense company operating under the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, represented the Turkish side.

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According to the contract, the total purchase value is €223 million (excluding VAT). The package includes not only the vessel itself but also personnel training and logistical support.

The acquisition follows the approval granted in March 2025 by the Homeland Defence Supreme Council for a multi-annual program to enhance Romania’s naval capabilities with a new corvette.

On September 8, the joint defense committees of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies unanimously endorsed the procurement.

The Hisar-class corvette, to be delivered under this agreement, forms part of a broader modernization effort within the Romanian Naval Forces.

According to the information published by Asfat, the light corvette measures 99.5 meters in length, has a maximum beam of 14.4 meters, and displaces around 2,300 tons. Its propulsion system combines four diesel engines with two electric motors, supported by four diesel generators, enabling a top speed of 24 knots and a range of about 4,500 nautical miles. Its main weapons include a 76-mm naval gun and two 12.7-mm machine guns, all coordinated through the ADVENT combat management system and an integrated gunfire control system.

Designed for patrol, combat roles, and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, the vessel is expected to contribute significantly to Romania’s operational readiness amid growing regional security concerns.