One of the most significant maritime achievements of the Turkish defense industry, the indigenously produced patrol boats, have officially begun operations along Turkey’s coasts. Built by ARES Shipyard in the Antalya Free Zone, these uniquely designed vessels represent Turkey’s growing capability to secure its shores with domestically developed maritime technologies.

The project was initiated under an agreement signed with the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) on February 18, 2019. It includes the production of 188 patrol boats, of which more than 170 have already been completed and delivered to the Turkish Coast Guard Command, the General Directorate of Security, the Ministry of Trade’s Customs Protection Directorate, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Coast Guard Command. The remaining boats are expected to be delivered within the next few months, marking the successful completion of the program.

ARES Shipyard General Manager Oğuzhan Pehlivanlı described the project as the largest serial production program in Turkish shipbuilding history. He noted that production initially yielded six boats every two months, later increasing to eight, demonstrating the company’s high production efficiency and organization. All deliveries were made on schedule, a testament to the team’s careful planning, material management, and engineering precision.

The patrol boat model, ARES 35 FPB (Fast Patrol Boat), measures 12 meters in length, reaches a maximum speed of 35 knots, and offers a range of 160 nautical miles. Constructed using carbon-reinforced advanced composite materials and vacuum infusion technology, the boats combine speed, durability, and high maneuverability. Built according to Turkish Lloyd standards, they will play vital roles in preventing illegal migration, combating smuggling, and conducting maritime security and search-and-rescue missions.

Pehlivanlı highlighted the national reach of the project, saying, “Today, you can see our ARES boats in almost every coastal district — from the Marmara to the Aegean, from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. It’s a great source of pride for us to see them in action.”

This ambitious project strengthens Turkey’s maritime security infrastructure while showcasing the engineering excellence and production capacity of the domestic defense industry on an international level.