In the scope of 1 (one) Fleet Tanker contract signed between STM from Turkey and Pakistan Ministry of Defense Production on 22 January 2013, the Steel Cutting Ceremony of the Tanker was held in Karachi Naval Shipyard with the presence of the Undersecretary for Defence Industries Mr.Murat BAYAR from Turkey and Minister of Defense Production Mr.Rana Tanveer from Pakistan on 27 November 2013 in accordance with the work-schedule of the Contract.

The authorities broadly participated in the ceremony highlighted that this project would be a first in the military ship construction between two friendly and brotherly countries, Pakistan and Turkey, and a very important, distinguished and unique co-operation project in the field of defense and shipbuilding industry and also lead partnership in realization of similar defense projects in near future.

STM has constituted a structure by key staff of experts enable to provide engineering, design and operational services for naval projects with the commence of MILGEM Project since 2006.

The responsibilities for the projects-below have been already assumed by STM:

·         Acquisition of design services and platform construction and outfitting equipment for MILGEM Project Prototype Corvette TCG HEYBELİADA and second Corvette TCG BÜYÜKADA,

·         For the six new type of submarine procurement project with Air-Independent Propulsion system which will be built at Golcuk Naval Shipyard, participation in design, renewal of infrastructure of Golcuk Naval Shipyard, control of the activities of local content, procurement of all goods and services not supplied by HDW and ILS activities,

·         Modernization of 2 x Type-209 Class Submarines (TCG DOĞANAY and TCG DOLUNAY) for Turkish Navy,

·         In the scope of Fleet Replenishment Ship (DİMDG) project, the ship preliminary design and functional design studies to determine the technical requirements.

For the foremost export project of military ship design and kit of material, the Fleet Tanker (displacement of 15.600 tonnes, approximately length of 155 m, speed of 20 kts and with a replenishment-at-sea system (RAS/FAS) and a helicopter landing/take-off capability) will be completed in four years.

Making use of engineering and skilled labor in this project will promote continuity of employment in both Pakistan and Turkey's military ship design and shipbuilding supply industry, and will develop the level of national information about the specially qualified military ship design and will create new opportunities in the international markets and will gain considerable prestige.