According to information published by Dearsan Shipyard on December 23, 2024, Dearsan Shipyard hosted a significant milestone with the keel-laying ceremony for two 50-meter Missile Armed Fast Attack Crafts being constructed for the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces.
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Keel-laying ceremony of the two 50-meter Missile Armed Fast Attack Crafts. (Picture source: Dearsan Shipyard)

The event, held in Istanbul, saw the participation of a high-level Qatari delegation led by Major General Abdullah Hassan Al Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces.

These advanced vessels are tailored for operations in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea. They are designed with a length of 50.76 meters and a width of 9.53 meters, enabling exceptional maneuverability and efficiency in diverse maritime conditions. With a top speed of 36 knots and an operational range of 1,000 nautical miles, the crafts are well-suited for extended deployments and rapid-response missions.

Equipped with advanced weaponry, including guided missiles and a 40mm naval gun, the vessels are designed to perform surface warfare and air defense operations effectively. Their capabilities are further enhanced with stabilized and manual 12.7mm machine guns for asymmetric threats, alongside integrated Electronic Support Systems for modern electronic warfare operations.

In addition to combat roles, these fast attack crafts are intended for maritime patrol, territorial water protection, counter-piracy, and anti-smuggling operations. They are also capable of conducting surveillance, reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue missions in coastal and inshore areas.

Qatar-Türkiye

The defense relationship between Qatar and Türkiye is a cornerstone of their strategic partnership, built on mutual interests and regional security concerns. This collaboration began to formalize with agreements like the Defense Industry Cooperation Agreement in 2007, which paved the way for technology exchanges and military expertise sharing. Over the years, this partnership expanded with a Military Training Agreement in 2012 and culminated in the 2015 Turkey-Qatar Military Cooperation Agreement, emphasizing intelligence sharing and force deployment.

A  milestone in this relationship was the establishment of the Turkish-Qatar Combined Joint Force Command in 2015. Initially hosting a small contingent of Turkish troops, this military base has since become a hub for joint exercises and operations, symbolizing the depth of bilateral defense ties. The 2017 Gulf crisis further underscored the strategic value of this base as Türkiye expanded its military presence in Qatar.

Defense procurement and industrial collaboration have been integral to this partnership. Qatar has become a major purchaser of Turkish military equipment, including armored vehicles, naval vessels, and drones.