Romania to purchase corvette from Türkiye for navy modernization
View of an Offshore Patrol Vessel Project (OPV) belonging to the Turkish Naval Forces during sea trials in Türkiye on an undated date (Photo: X / @tcsavunma)
Romania has reportedly confirmed its decision to acquire a corvette from Türkiye to modernize its naval fleet.
The purchase, approved by Romania’s National Supreme Defense Council (CSAT), has garnered attention both within military circles and the defense industry.
In a statement released by the CSAT, the council announced the approval of a single corvette for the Romanian Navy, which will significantly impact the current fleet as part of Romania’s modernization efforts.
The decision came right after extensive discussions on strengthening naval capabilities in the face of evolving security challenges in the region, especially in the Black Sea.
“In today’s security context, the members of the Council analyzed and approved the equipping of the Romanian Naval Forces with a new light corvette, capable of carrying out a wide range of missions in the shortest possible time,” the CSAT statement read.
“This acquisition is part of ongoing modernization programs,” the statement continued.
Romania’s changing naval priorities
The decision to acquire just one light corvette has raised questions, particularly since last year, Romanian Navy Chief Admiral Mihai Panait had stated that the priority for the Romanian Navy’s modernization was the acquisition of two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and three new frigates.
The choice of purchasing a single light corvette from Türkiye appears to be a deviation from this previous plan.
Tudor Curtifan, the editor-in-chief of Romania, emphasized the importance of involving local industry in defense projects, especially in the current global security environment.
He suggested that Romania’s defense industry should play a more substantial role in producing such vessels.
“In today’s security environment, it is essential for the defense industry to be involved in the production process,” Curtifan said on B1 TV, noting that Romanian officials have often highlighted the need to revitalize Bucharest’s defense industry.
Hisar-class corvette from Türkiye
The corvette Romania will acquire is a Hisar-class vessel, which is currently being built by Turkish ASFAT for its own navy.
The Hisar-class corvette, which Türkiye describes as offshore patrol vessels, is designed for a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, counterterrorism, search and rescue, maritime security, and electronic warfare.
Romanian sources confirmed that the Hisar-class corvette is specifically an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), known for its versatile mission profile and advanced technology. These vessels are built with a “fitted for but not with” concept, allowing for the future integration of additional weapons and sensors.
The Hisar-class ships can also be equipped with 3D radars, sonar, fire control systems, and Atmaca anti-ship missiles.
Some technical specifications for the Hisar-class include:
- Length: 99.56 meters
- Width: 14.42 meters
- Displacement: 2,300 tons
- Maximum speed: 24 knots
- Patrol speed: 12 knots
- Crew: 104 personnel
Questions over local production involvement
Romania’s decision to source the corvette from Türkiye raises questions about the lack of local involvement in the production process, despite the country’s current naval shipbuilding industry.
In the past, Romania’s ambition to locally build ships, such as the cancelled Multifunctional Corvette Program, which was to be built in Romania at the Constanta Shipyard, highlighted the country’s desire to develop its own defense capabilities. However, with this new acquisition, there is uncertainty about the level of local involvement in the Hisar-class corvette project.
