The Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) have elevated their amphibious assault capability with a new platform added to the inventory at the end of 2025. The Karayel hulled fast assault craft, produced by the Izmir-based company Northstar, was showcased for the first time during the EFES-2026 Exercise, drawing attention with its high performance. This massive exercise, which involved over 10,000 personnel from more than 50 countries, served not only as a showcase for Karayel but also as a testing ground under real operational conditions. So, what is the Karayel fast assault craft, who produces it, what are its technical specifications, and for what purposes will it be used? Here are all the details about Karayel.
What is the Karayel Fast Assault Craft and Who Produces It?
Karayel is a high-speed, hulled fast assault craft produced entirely with domestic and national resources. The boat is specially designed and produced by Northstar, a part of the MARINTEK Group of Companies, based in Izmir and founded in 1989. The company, which has been building boats since 1997 and established the Northstar brand in 2002, consolidated all its RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) production under this brand from 2008 onwards. In addition to its standard product range, the company has a department that develops special projects for professional and military use; Karayel is a product of this special projects division.
Officially named the Northstar G12 Karayel, the platform entered the TAF inventory in December 2025 and was classified as a hulled fast assault craft. EFES 2026 marked Northstar's first participation in this exercise and also the first active assignment of the G12 Karayel in field operations.
What is the Operational Purpose of Karayel?
Karayel's primary mission is clear: to rapidly transport personnel and equipment from a friendly coast to an enemy coast. It is designed for use in scenarios requiring rapid deployment and evacuation, especially during critical phases of amphibious operations. One of the boat's most important features is its ability to quickly reach challenging coastal shallows where amphibious operations might be considered impossible.
At this point, one of G12 Karayel's most critical operational advantages comes into play. Karayel has a draft of only 70 cm. This extremely low draft allows the boat to get much closer to the shoreline than its competitors. In landing scenarios, the faster and more effective disembarkation of personnel onto the shore is vital for the success of the operation. With this advantage, Karayel offers the TAF the potential to create a surprise effect and gain operational flexibility, even at unexpected landing points.
Technical Specifications of the Karayel Fast Assault Craft
The Northstar G12 Karayel possesses a series of superior technical features that distinguish it from other boats in its class. The platform, with an overall length of 12 metres and a beam of 3.5 metres, has a carrying capacity of 17 personnel (15 amphibious marines and 2 boat crew).
At the heart of the boat are twin 400 HP engines. This power unit allows Karayel to reach a maximum speed of 60 knots (approximately 111 km/h) at sea, while offering a range of over 180 nautical miles even at full speed. This range is a critical factor increasing operational flexibility.
The hull design is the product of special expertise. The stepped hull structure of the platform was optimised by the renowned naval architect Adam Younger. This design was developed to provide stability, efficiency, and operational control at high speeds and in challenging sea conditions. Karayel's high wave resistance is also a result of this special hull design.
Protection and weapon systems are also shaped around real operational requirements:
- Partial ballistic protection
- Ballistically protected fuel tank
- Ballistically protected console glass
- Ballistically protected weapon mount at the bow
- 1 machine gun
Crew comfort and durability have also been considered. Karayel features a suspension seating system with an adjustable rail mechanism. This system allows seating positions to be adjusted according to mission requirements while increasing personnel's resistance to shocks during high-speed operations. The modular operational deck layout also provides flexibility for different mission profiles.
International Interest at EFES 2026
The EFES 2026 Exercise turned into an international showcase not just for Karayel but also for Northstar. The company displayed its professional RIB models in the exercise's exhibition area. According to company officials, the G12 Karayel quickly became one of the most recognised platforms in the exhibition area. Many visitors came to the stand specifically asking for Karayel, and very positive feedback was received from operators and visitors regarding its ride quality, stability, and performance at high speeds.
Northstar: Product Range Extending from 2.6 to 18 Metres
Northstar, the power behind Karayel, is an established company specialising in inflatable boat and RIB production, operating from its dedicated facility in Izmir. The company hosts a strong engineering team including 4 naval architects, 1 industrial engineer, and 2 industrial designers. In addition to its civil and commercial products, it can design and build military and professional boats up to 12.5 metres through its special projects division.
The company has a wide product range extending from 2.6 metres to 18 metres. At EFES 2026, alongside the G12 Karayel, models such as the G12.2, G12.2 OB Cabin, G8, G7.2, G6.4, 750 RDJ, 720 J, and 600 RDJ were also exhibited. This diversity and expertise have enabled the emergence of a customised platform like Karayel for demanding missions.
Strategic Importance of Karayel for the TAF
Karayel brings a new dynamism to the TAF's amphibious operations doctrine. With its high speed, low draft, ballistic protection, and modular structure, it is capable of operating effectively in the challenging sea conditions of both the Aegean and the Mediterranean. This domestic platform, which proved itself at EFES 2026, has taken its place in the inventory as a critical asset that reduces foreign dependency in Türkiye's rapid deployment and coastal landing operations.
