Within the framework of the 2027 Presidential Annual Program, the Coast Guard Command will launch a comprehensive modernization initiative to strengthen its operational capabilities. The program aims to enhance technological capacity of search and rescue platforms and equipment to increase operational capability in maritime areas. Under this scope, production of the National Coast Guard Vessel is planned to commence in 2027. The Ministry of Interior has been designated as the responsible institution for project management, while the Ministry of National Defence and Defence Industry Agency are listed among cooperating institutions.

The Coast Guard Command is a critical organization operating along Turkey's extensive coastline and maritime areas. It conducts diverse operations including maritime search and rescue, commercial vessel accident response, life-saving, and emergency intervention missions. The National Coast Guard Vessel project is designed to modernize this institution's operational capabilities and increase localization rates by utilizing domestic design and production capacity. The vessel will be employed in maritime search and rescue, surveillance, and intervention operations, playing a significant role in the Coast Guard Command's maritime operations.

Strengthening search and rescue capacity holds strategic importance for maritime security. Within the program scope, two AB 412-EP helicopters will undergo modernization, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of air-supported search and rescue operations. Additionally, a Diving, Safety, Security, Search and Rescue (DEGAK) Team will be established within the Coast Guard Command, representing an important step in terms of human resources and technical competency in maritime life-saving operations. Technological equipment procurement activities will also be conducted to support this team.

Unmanned systems technology is playing an increasingly important role in modern maritime operations. Within the program framework, one Unmanned Maritime Vehicle (UMV) will be procured under the UMV Procurement Project, and two Vertical Take-Off and Landing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (VTOL) will be procured under the VTOL Procurement Project. These unmanned systems will provide significant support in surveillance, reconnaissance, and search and rescue operations across extensive maritime areas, reduce operator risk exposure, and enhance operational effectiveness. Unmanned maritime vehicles can play a critical role particularly in adverse weather conditions and night operations.

The Turkish defense and security sector has taken significant steps in recent years toward developing indigenous and national technology. These projects, to be conducted in cooperation with the Defence Industry Agency, will increase localization rates in maritime security and strengthen technological independence. The National Coast Guard Vessel will enable the utilization of domestic engineering capacity in maritime platform design and production, thereby contributing to the sector. Simultaneously, such projects enable the development of domestic companies specializing in maritime security and support sector growth.