Turkey moves ahead with LPD acquisition plan

Turkey's Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (Savunma Sanayii Müstesarligi - SSM) has issued a request for proposals (RfP) to seven local shipyards for the construction of a landing platform dock (LPD) vessel for the Turkish Naval Forces.

ADIK, Çelik Tekne, Dearsan Shipyard, Desan Shipyard, Istanbul Shipyard, RMK Marine and SEDEF received the RfP in February and have been given nine months to develop their tender responses.

The LPD requirement calls for a logistically self-sustaining amphibious vessel able to transport, sustain and land a battalion-size force in the Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Sea operating areas. The ship will also have a secondary humanitarian relief role.

While the SSM is looking to grow an indigenous naval design and build capability across local shipyards, the complex and unique nature of the LPD project has led officials to opt for a more conservative procurement strategy that allows Turkish industry to bid a solution based on a proven off-the-shelf design. This means that local shipyards are free to team with an overseas yard or design house, either through a licence or subcontract arrangement or in a joint venture.