BUCHAREST, Romania — Turkish defense company ASELSAN has completed the integration of an extensive suite of Turkish-developed naval systems aboard the Romanian Naval Forces' newest warship, Contraamiral August Roman (pennant number 261). The program marks the first export of a warship built in Türkiye to a member of both NATO and the European Union, representing an important milestone for the Turkish defense industry.
The vessel was originally built for the Turkish Navy as the Hisar-class patrol vessel Akhisar (P 1220) by ASFAT at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard. Romania acquired the ship through a government-to-government agreement signed in December 2025, with the contract valued at approximately €223 million. Ownership was transferred to Romania on June 16, 2026, and the ship was officially commissioned into the Romanian Naval Forces on June 20, 2026 after being renamed Contraamiral August Roman.
Integrated Turkish Naval Systems
To meet the Romanian Navy's operational requirements, ASELSAN equipped the corvette with an integrated package of surveillance, fire-control, communications, navigation, and identification systems designed to improve the ship's operational and combat capabilities.
The vessel's primary sensor suite includes the CENK 200 search and target-detection radar and the AKREP 100-N fire-control radar. For reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting, the ship is fitted with the AHTAPOT 100 electro-optical system.
For secure long-range communications, ASELSAN integrated the ACROSAT 3210M X-band satellite communications system, while the KARETTA 500 anti-jam system protects the vessel's satellite navigation signals from electronic interference.
ASELSAN also reported that the ship carries several additional systems, including the ALPER LPI radar, TAKS naval gun fire-control system, ARTNET integrated communications system, IDENTA identification friend-or-foe (IFF) system, ACROSAT Ku-band satellite communications, ANS inertial navigation system, and the MİTOS electronic chart display and information system.
According to the company, the integrated package was selected to strengthen the corvette's surveillance, communications, fire-control, and navigation capabilities.
From Turkish Navy Program to Romanian Service
The warship was constructed under Türkiye's MILGEM program at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard.
Construction began with the vessel being laid down on August 15, 2021, followed by its launch on September 23, 2023. The ship was handed over in December 2024, after which sea trials began. Although completed for the Turkish Navy, it was not placed into operational service.
Romania moved to acquire the ready-built platform through a government-to-government agreement as part of its naval modernization efforts. Following the transfer of ownership on June 16, 2026, the vessel entered Romanian service as Contraamiral August Roman and was formally commissioned on June 20, 2026. It later arrived at the Port of Constanța on July 10, 2026.
Ship Specifications and Current Armament
The Contraamiral August Roman displaces approximately 2,300 tonnes and measures 99.56 metres in length with a 14.42-metre beam. The vessel has a maximum speed of 24 knots, a range of 4,500 nautical miles, and an endurance of 21 days. It operates with a crew of around 104 personnel and is capable of supporting helicopter and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations.
The corvette is currently armed with an MKE 76mm main gun, an ASELSAN GOKDENIZ close-in weapon system (CIWS), and remotely operated 12.7mm machine guns.
The vessel has been assigned to the Romanian Navy's 50th Corvette Division.
Planned Capability Upgrades
Romanian defense officials have described Contraamiral August Roman as the country's first modern warship.
While the ship entered service with its initial combat configuration, Romania plans to allocate an additional €42 million during the second half of 2026 to procure further combat systems.
According to Romanian plans, the future upgrades will include vertical launching systems (VLS) for air defense, torpedo capabilities, and the integration of Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) through funding provided under the European Union's SAFE program.
Strategic Importance for ASELSAN
The delivery expands ASELSAN's role in Romania's naval modernization program and places the company's systems aboard a warship operated by a NATO and European Union member state.
ASELSAN said the program strengthens its position in the international market for naval sensors, communications, navigation, and fire-control systems. The company added that the successful integration reflects growing international demand for its naval technologies and supports its expanding participation in allied fleet modernization programs.
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