The first of two logistics support vessels, decided upon between the Undersecretariat of Defence Industry and Selah Machinery and Shipbuilding Company, was launched today (October 8, 2016) in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım.
The Logistics Support Ship will meet the fuel needs of combat units and carry out replenishment of fuel depots. The Logistics Support Ship is 106 meters long, 16.8 meters wide, and has a draft of 6.1 meters. It has a cargo carrying capacity of 6000 deadweight tons and can also carry 8 containers for various operational needs.
In addition to one vehicle for personnel transfer, one lifeboat and one ATAK (Anti-Tank Weapon) boat will be stationed on the ship. The helicopter platform on board is designed and equipped for the day and night take-off and landing of a 15-ton general-purpose helicopter. This platform is also the first among the auxiliary class ships in the Turkish Naval Forces inventory to be able to deploy the highest tonnage helicopter.
The ship is also equipped with two 12.7 mm machine gun systems, a "Surgical Intervention Room" for conducting small-scale operations, and NATO and Turkish Armed Forces communication networks.
