Turkey signs contract for locally-made landing platform dock

The deal was signed at the International Defense Industries Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul on May 7. The cost of the scheme was not disclosed.

A senior official at SSM, Müjdat Uludağ, said the project is expected to be completed in 2021.

Uludağ noted the capabilities of the Turkish Naval Forces will be advanced with this LPD, adding the warship would be able to sail in the Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Seas.

“If needed, the warship can also sail in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans,” he said.

Turkish companies, including Aselsan and Havelsan, will produce and install several parts of the ship’s components, including armaments, electronics and communications systems.

A Spanish company, Navantia, will help in designing the ship.

The 231-meter-long ship will be capable of carrying over 1,000 personnel and transporting helicopters, army vehicles and equipment. 

The new craft will be the biggest landing dock in the naval forces’ inventory and also have a hospital. 
The vessel will be able to be on duty at sea for 50 days without taking any logistic support and reach a speed of 20.5 knots.