Final Stages of Romanian Naval Acquisition from Turkey
ISTANBUL — The Romanian government is nearing the completion of a deal to purchase a Turkish-made Hisar-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV), with the Romanian Ministry of Defence announcing that the signing of the contract is expected soon. This follows a unanimous vote of approval by the Romanian parliament in September.
The agreement stipulates the delivery of the vessel to the Black Sea port of Constanța within six months after the contract is signed.
This purchase is significant for Romania as it addresses an urgent need. The Romanian naval forces in the Black Sea are currently limited by outdated equipment, some of which dates back to the latter years of the Cold War, and have been further hindered by repeated delays in several key procurement projects.
The discussion about acquiring the vessel became public in March 2025 when Romania’s Supreme Council of National Defence (CSAT) supported the initiative. By August 2025, Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu announced the government’s plans to buy a Hisar-class ship from Turkey.
The total expenditure for this naval asset is projected at €223 million ($258 million), with an additional €42 million allocated for modifications specific to Romania’s requirements.
The transfer of the ship will be executed through a government-to-government agreement with Turkey, with the coordination on the Turkish side being managed by Military Factory and Shipyard Management Inc. (ASFAT).
In September 2023, the Istanbul Naval Shipyard saw the launch of two Hisar class patrol vessels, the TCG Akhisar and TCG Koçhisar. Each of these vessels measures approximately 100 meters in length, with a beam of 14 meters, a draft of 4 meters, and a displacement of about 2,300 tons.
At the time of their launch, the ships were equipped with a 76mm main gun, two 12.7mm remote-controlled weapon stations, Aselsan’s Cenk 100-N fixed-face AESA and Akrep 100-N fire-control radars, TÜBİTAK’s Yelkovan ESM suite, and a hull-mounted sonar. The design also allows for additional weapon systems to be integrated in the future.
The transfer of one of these vessels to Romania is planned to be in its current configuration, which will facilitate a swift handover while also providing the opportunity for Romania to incorporate several domestic systems.
In particular, the Romanian Ministry of Defence has confirmed plans to equip the vessel with the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) once it arrives in Romania, enhancing its primary anti-ship capability.
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
