Türkiye’s shipbuilder launches first guided-missile fast attack craft PHOTO/VIDEO

Turkish shipbuilder DEARSAN has announced the successful launch of the first of two 50-meter guided-missile fast attack craft being constructed for the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces. 

The vessel, designed and built entirely by DEARSAN, was launched on November 17, 2025, following its steel-cutting ceremony on November 22, 2024. The company said the launch completes one of the project’s most critical phases and paves the way for outfitting work to begin, Caliber.Az reports via Defence Turk.

🔵🇹🇷DEARSAN achieves key milestone in 🇶🇦Qatar Navy FAC Program

🔸The first of the two 50-meter Guided-Missile Fast Attack Craft being built by DEARSAN for the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces has been successfully launched.
📎 @DearsanShipyard
🔗https://t.co/4BRZVVAWuU pic.twitter.com/gP7EWnivB2

— Defence Turk English (@Defence_Turk_EN) November 19, 2025

According to DEARSAN, the new platform is built to modern naval combat standards and is expected to strengthen Qatar’s maritime security capabilities. The craft features high-speed performance, advanced sensor suites, and integrated weapon systems intended to improve operational effectiveness across the region.

DEARSAN confirmed that construction of the second fast attack craft is progressing on schedule. The program forms part of a contract signed in June 2023 between DEARSAN and the Qatar Armed Forces for two guided-missile vessels. Work officially began in February 2024, and the project recently completed its Critical Design Review phase.

The fast attack craft—measuring 50.76 meters in length, with a beam of 9.53 meters and a draft of 2.10 meters—will have a top speed of 36 knots and an operational range of 1,000 nautical miles. They are being designed for deployment in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea.

DEARSAN said the project reflects Türkiye’s growing role in the international naval shipbuilding sector and its expanding defense cooperation with Gulf partners.

By Sabina Mammadli