Türkiye’s next-generation fast attack craft, the Turkish Navy FAC, was visible in the background during the naming and launch of the Royal Malaysian Navy’s third LMS Batch 2 ship on August 9, 2026, signaling major progress on the program.
The ceremony for the Tunku Osman Jewa (143) was held at Istanbul Shipyard. Photos and video from the event showed the hull and superstructure of the Turkish Navy FAC, indicating that work has advanced considerably and the vessel is taking its final form.
According to prior disclosures at the IDEF 2025 defense exhibition, STM presented the finalized design and confirmed that steel cutting for the lead ship had begun. The latest sighting suggests the effort has moved into block assembly, beyond the initial build phase.
Turkish Navy FAC program scope
The National FAC initiative is intended to replace the Turkish Navy’s aging Doğan and Rüzgar-class boats. The Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) and STM signed a design-phase contract in 2020, and the current plan calls for 10 ships.
The new craft is notably larger than existing Turkish fast attack platforms, with displacement over 700 tons and an approximate increase of 10 meters in length compared with current vessels. Propulsion features four diesel engines paired with four waterjets, a setup expected to deliver speeds exceeding 39 knots.
Armament and systems
The ship will field predominantly domestic systems and sensors. Planned armament includes Roketsan ATMACA anti-ship missiles and an MKE 76 mm naval gun. For close-in air defense, the platform will carry either the LEVENT or GÖKSUR missile systems. All weapons and sensors will be integrated through HAVELSAN’s ADVENT Combat Management System.
Automation across shipboard functions will enable operations with a crew of 36. STM has set 2028 as the target for commencing sea trials of the first hull. The status observed at Istanbul Shipyard on August 9 indicates construction remains aligned with that timeline.
Video coverage of the Turkish National FAC displayed at IDEF 2025 is available via the provided link. For broader context on regional naval modernization, see our report on U.S. aircraft carriers.