Turkiye’s first indigenous Hisar-class OPV starts sea trials – Naval News

ASFAT shared the pictures of the future TCG Akhisar on the social media accounts marking the start of the sea trials. According to the information Naval News gained from the sources, ASFAT is planning to deliver 2 OPVs to the Turkish Navy with 6 months intervals in 2025. The second Hisar-class OPV, the future TCG Koçhisar is currently under construction in Istanbul Naval Shipyard.

Turkish Ministry of Defence also announced the ceremony on X (ex-Twitter), saying “The Turkish flag was ceremoniously hoisted on the AKHİSAR ADKG, built at the Istanbul Shipyard Command under the General Directorate of Shipyards, with ASFAT serving as the main contractor. The Sea Acceptance Tests commenced with its maiden voyage.“

The steel-cutting ceremony of the OPV took place on August 15, 2021, and a scale model of the ship was first exhibited at the IDEF 2021 expo in Istanbul between August 17 and 21, 2021. In April 2022, the Turkish Ministry of Defence announced that block construction of the lead vessel of the class, the future TCG Akhisar, has begun at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard. The ship was launched on Sept. 23, 2023.

Under the Offshore Patrol Vessel Project, initiated to meet the needs of the Turkish Naval Forces, the construction of 10 vessels is planned. The first ship is scheduled to be launched in 2023. Developed as a variant of the MİLGEM-class corvettes, the Hisar class OPV has been redesigned with a different main propulsion system and a different structural and general layout concept, allowing it to be built in a shorter time and at a lower cost.

The primary missions of the OPVs to be built are intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), search and rescue (SAR), counterterrorism, maritime interdiction operations (MIO), and maritime special operations. Other missions include naval air operations, electronic and acoustic warfare, land bombardment, defense against asymmetric threats, maritime traffic protection, and support and training for amphibious operations.

The Hisar-class OPV is being built using the “fitted for but not with” concept, which allows for the integration of newly developed indigenous weapon and sensor systems. The OPV, which can accommodate a total of 104 people, will have a range of 4500 nautical miles with its CODELOD (COmbined Diesel-eLectric Or Diesel) main propulsion system.

About Hisar-class OPVs

The Hisar-class offshore patrol vessel (ADKG) is a versatile and modern platform designed for a variety of naval missions. Built at the Istanbul Shipyard Command under the General Directorate of Shipyards and with ASFAT as the main contractor, the vessel features a length of 99.56 meters, a draft of 3.77 meters, and a displacement of 2,300 tons. It boasts a maximum speed of 24 knots and an operational range of 12 knots for extended patrols, accommodating a crew of 104 personnel.

Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, including a 3D search radar, fire control radar, TACAN navigation aid, hull-mounted sonar system, and electronic support systems, the vessel ensures superior situational awareness. The ADKG also features the Turkish-developed ADVENT combat management system and a hydrodynamic design optimized for performance and efficiency.

Its weapons systems include a 76mm main gun, two 12.7mm guns, and the capability to deploy Atmaca anti-ship missiles. Additionally, the vessel supports aerial operations with a helicopter platform capable of handling 10-ton class helicopters and UAVs, certified to Level-1 Class 2 standards. Two Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) facilitate personnel transport and special operations missions, further enhancing its versatility.

With its advanced capabilities and indigenous design, the Hisar-class offshore patrol vessel represents a significant achievement in Turkey’s naval modernization efforts.

Specifications:

• Overall length: 99,56 meters
• Beam: 14,42 meters
• Draft: 3,77 meters
• Maximum speed: 24 knots
• Displacement: 2300 tons