DESAN Shipyard launched the MPMS-1, the first of two 99-meter multi-purpose patrol vessels built for the Malaysia Coast Guard, in a ceremony at its Kocaeli facility. The vessel was delivered ahead of schedule, with DESAN aiming to hand over the first ship by January 2027, earlier than the original 24-month delivery timeline.
Why it matters
- The accelerated timeline reflects DESAN’s efficiency, with the second vessel expected to be delivered even sooner.
- Senior officials from both Turkey and Malaysia attended the launch, including Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi and Malaysian Interior Minister Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail.
- DESAN confirmed that alongside the two Malaysian vessels, a Hisar-class offshore patrol vessel for the Turkish Naval Forces is under construction at the same yard, all progressing ahead of schedule.
The launch took place at DESAN’s ATLAS Shipyard in the Kocaeli Free Zone. DESAN Board Chairman Cenk İsmail Kaptanoğlu noted that all three vessels are advancing faster than planned. He expressed interest in showcasing the MPMS-1 at the LIMA 2027 exhibition in Langkawi, featuring its unmanned aerial systems, fast response boats, and helicopter operations capabilities. DESAN is also developing its first overseas investment in Malacca, Malaysia, which will include a new shipbuilding and maintenance facility, with the first phase slated for completion by end-2027.
Why it matters for Turkey
This project highlights the growing reliability of Turkey’s defense export sector, particularly in shipbuilding. By delivering ahead of schedule and investing in local infrastructure abroad, DESAN is setting a benchmark for Turkish defense exports. The Malaysia-Turkey defense partnership is evolving from transactional sales to strategic, long-term cooperation, reinforcing Turkey’s role as a credible international defense contractor.
Source: Savunma Sanayi Org