DEARSAN Launches Second 50-Meter FAC for Qatar
The launching ceremony was attended by senior military and diplomatic officials from both countries including; Ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah Al HANZAB, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Türkiye, Major General Khalid Nasser Al HAJRI, Acting Commander of the Qatari Navy, Major General Nasser bin Ahmed Al HAMMADI, Acting Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration and Logistics, Brigadier (Staff) Abdulaziz Saleh Al SULAITI, Qatari Military Attaché, Aziz YILDIRIM, Chairman of DEARSAN Shipyard, Rear Admiral (Upper Half) Aziz BAKIOĞLU, Commander of the Northern Naval Area, and Rear Admiral (Upper Half) Recep Erdinç YETKİN, Commander of the İstanbul Naval Shipyard, along with representatives of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and numerous invited guests.
Speaking at the ceremony, DEARSAN Board Member and General Manager Murat GORDI emphasized that the project represents not only a technical achievement but also a symbol of trust and partnership between the two countries.
“Every ship launched represents not only an engineering achievement, but also a testament to the trust and shared future built between nations.”
GORDI noted that the project is progressing in accordance with the schedule set under the contract signed between DEARSAN and the Qatari Armed Forces.
“DEARSAN Shipyard signed a contract with the Qatari Armed Forces on June 21, 2023 in Doha for the construction of two 50-meter guided missile fast attack craft. Construction activities officially began on February 12, 2024.”
The keels of the two vessels were laid in December 2024 and the ships were later named Al Wakrah (Q-51) and Al Ghariyah (Q-52) by the Qatari Armed Forces. The first vessel, Al Wakrah, was launched in November 2025, while the ceremony held on February 14, 2026 marked the official launching stage of the program in the presence of the Qatari naval delegation.
“Each launching ceremony represents the tangible outcome of dedication, discipline and collective expertise. We believe these modern vessels will make a significant contribution to the maritime security of the State of Qatar and to the preservation of stability in the region.”
GORDI also expressed appreciation for the support of the Qatari defense authorities and signaled DEARSAN’s readiness to expand the cooperation.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Qatari Armed Forces and the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces for their trust in DEARSAN. We are also ready to begin discussions regarding the continuation of the project with an additional three vessels.”
At the launching ceremony of the Al Wakrah and Al Ghariyah fast attack crafts (FACs) built by DEARSAN Shipyard for the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces, Acting Commander of the Qatari Navy, Major General Khalid Nasser Al HAJRI highlighted the strategic importance of the project and the growing defense cooperation between Qatar and Türkiye.
Also addressing the audience, Major General Al HAJRI conveyed the greetings of the Commander of the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces and emphasized that the vessels represent an important enhancement to Qatar’s maritime capabilities.
“It is my honor and pleasure to stand before you today on the occasion of the launching ceremony of the fast missile boats Al Wakrah and Al Ghariyah, which represent a qualitative addition to the capabilities of our Naval Forces.”
Al HAJRI underlined that the project reflects the deep strategic partnership between Qatar and Türkiye, noting that cooperation between the two countries continues to expand in defense and security fields.
“This milestone reflects the depth of the strategic partnership between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Türkiye — a partnership founded on trust, mutual respect, aligned interests, and shared visions in the fields of security, defense, and capacity building.”
According to Al HAJRI, the launching ceremony marks the beginning of the next stage of the project. The vessels will continue to undergo outfitting and final integration works at DEARSAN Shipyard under the supervision of Qatari oversight teams in İstanbul.
“This launching marks the beginning of a new and important phase in the production line. Work will continue to complete the outfitting of the boats under the supervision of the Oversight and Follow-up Office officers in İstanbul until the vessels are delivered to the State of Qatar and the national flag is raised in mid-2027, according to the agreed timeline.”
The construction of the two missile boats is being carried out under the Halul-11 Project, a contract signed with DEARSAN Shipyard in June 2023. The project forms part of Qatar’s broader naval modernization efforts aimed at strengthening maritime security and operational readiness.
Al HAJRI emphasized that the new vessels will significantly enhance the navy’s operational capabilities.
“We look forward to the integration of this class of vessels into our naval fleet. They will be distinguished by their high operational capabilities in deterrence, maneuverability, and performance under various weather conditions.”
Concluding his remarks, Al HAJRI thanked all institutions and personnel involved in the project, including DEARSAN Shipyard, Qatari defense officials, and the project teams overseeing the construction process.
“We pray that these vessels will serve as a strong support in preserving the security and safety of our beloved nation.”
DEARSAN’s Naval Export Track Record
Providing an overview of the company’s capabilities during the ceremony, DEARSAN Business Development Manager Erkan YENİÇERİ highlighted the shipyard’s evolution into a major naval shipbuilder since its establishment in 1980.
“DEARSAN Shipyard has built more than 150 commercial and naval vessels since its establishment and today stands among Türkiye’s leading shipbuilders.”
YENİÇERİ recalled that Türkiye began prioritizing domestic naval construction in the late 2000s and that DEARSAN played a pioneering role in the process.
“In 2007, DEARSAN won the contract for 16 TUZLA Class Patrol Boats, becoming the first private shipyard in Türkiye to design and build a warship.”
He also highlighted the company’s international naval export experience, particularly in Central Asia and Africa.
“DEARSAN later became the first Turkish shipyard to export a warship by building missile-equipped versions of the TUZLA Class Patrol Boats for Türkmenistan.”
At the Türkmen shipyard established by DEARSAN, more than 45 naval and coast guard vessels ranging from 15 to 92 meters have been constructed and delivered. Among them is the Denizhan Corvette, a 92-meter platform delivered in 2024 and considered one of the most capable naval platforms built by a Turkish private shipyard.
DEARSAN is also currently building two 76-meter Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Nigerian Navy.
“Both vessels have completed harbor acceptance tests and sea trials and are currently at the final delivery stage.”
Technical Overview: QENF’s 50-Meter Missile Fast Attack Craft
The 50-Meter Guided Missile Fast Attack Craft Project constitutes one of DEARSAN’s flagship export projects. Construction of the vessels for the QENF has been underway since early 2024 with extensive cooperation between the shipyard and Qatari naval authorities.
YENİÇERİ noted that the vessels are designed as multi-role platforms capable of conducting both combat and security missions.
“The primary missions of the 50-meter fast attack craft include surface warfare with anti-ship missiles and a 40 mm naval gun, air defense using surface-to-air missiles, asymmetric warfare with stabilized 12.7 mm machine guns, and electronic warfare operations supported by advanced electronic support systems.”
In addition to combat tasks, the vessels will perform maritime security and constabulary roles such as patrol missions, anti-smuggling operations and search and rescue activities.
Technically, the vessels feature a 50.76-meter overall length, 9.53-meter beam, 2.1-meter draft, 36-knot maximum speed, and an operational range of 1,000 nautical miles.
“The vessels are designed to operate effectively across the operational environments of the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.”
YENİÇERİ concluded that the program will significantly enhance Qatar’s maritime operational capabilities.
“The DEARSAN-designed 50-meter guided missile fast attack craft will represent advanced technology platforms that strengthen the operational capabilities of the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces.”
Under the Halul-11 Project, a total of five vessels are planned. While the first two units are currently under construction, additional contracts for three more vessels—potentially in different configurations—are expected to be negotiated in the near term with Qatari authorities. The delivery of Al Wakrah (Q-51) and Al Ghariyah (Q-52) is scheduled for 2027, at which point they are expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces.
Combat Systems and Configuration
The 50-Meter Guided Missile FACs of the QENF, operated by a crew of 33 personnel, feature steel hulls and aluminum superstructures.
The vessels are being equipped with the ASELSAN X-Band CENK-200N (formerly MAR-D) 3D Air and Surface Surveillance Radar, ALPER-100N LPI Radar, AHTAPOT-S Electro-Optical Director (EOD) System, ARES-2NC Radar Electronic Support System (with a new antenna design), 2× Chaff/Decoy Launcher Systems, and the Kelvin Hughes SharpEye LPI Radar.
In terms of armament, the vessels will be fitted with a Leonardo OTO MARLIN 40 40mm main gun, 2x ASELSAN 12.7mm STAMP 2 Remote Controlled Stabilized Weapon Systems, 2x12.7mm pedestal-mounted manual machine guns, the ROKETSAN SUNGUR Air Defense Missile System (with a 4-cell launcher), and the ÇAKIR Anti-Ship Missile System (2x2 configuration).
The 50-meter Guided Missile Fast Attack Craft are also fitted with the HAVELSAN ADVENT Combat Management System, providing a network-centric combat capability.
Propulsion is provided by three waterjets, powered by three MAN 20V175D diesel engines, each delivering 4,400 kW, enabling high-speed maneuverability and operational flexibility
