Türkiye exports warship to NATO, EU member for first time

Milestone export ceremony

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Saturday marked a historic milestone for Türkiye's defense industry by delivering the offshore patrol vessel CAm. Roman to the Romanian Naval Forces Command at a ceremony in Istanbul, underscoring the first-ever warship export by Ankara to a NATO and European Union member state. Romanian President Nicusor Dan attended the commissioning event at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command, where the two leaders also oversaw the induction of the Turkish Navy's TCG Kochisar. Erdoğan noted that both vessels were constructed by the same engineering teams and would contribute to the security of both nations, the Black Sea, and the NATO alliance.

Defense industry achievements

Erdoğan said the world is undergoing profound transformation since the Cold War, warning that "we are in the middle of an extremely chaotic period where those who are not strong on the ground cannot find a place at the table and may even find themselves on the menu." He added that Türkiye recognized the spirit of this new era early and interpreted it accurately, with the country's defense industry becoming the driving force behind its vision despite facing sanctions and embargoes over 23 years. The president stated that Türkiye now ranks as the world's 11th-largest defense exporter and recorded $996 million in defense and aerospace exports last month, having delivered more than 140 naval platforms worldwide while currently constructing over 50 warships with over 80% domestic content — including more than 15 destined for allied nations — with project values totaling approximately $28 billion.

Strategic partnership

Erdoğan described Ankara-Bucharest relations as being at their strongest level, recalling that bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2011 and institutionalized through the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council established in 2024. "With the sales agreement we signed with Romania, Türkiye exports a warship to a NATO and EU member country for the first time in its history," he said, describing the vessel as the clearest manifestation of two allied countries jointly building Black Sea security. The combat management system, search and fire-control radars, sonar systems, and close-in weapon systems aboard the platform were developed by Turkish defense companies including ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, and HAVELSAN, with Erdoğan also highlighting ongoing trilateral cooperation among Türkiye, Romania, and Bulgaria in countering naval mines.

Peace through strength

Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye's objective is to strengthen peace and stability rather than create tensions, stating that Ankara is not seeking crises or confrontation with anyone but would never allow threats to its sovereignty or national interests. The two presidents concluded the ceremony by presenting flags and commissioning certificates to the ship commanders after inspecting the honor guard.