Turkish shipbuilder DESAN has signed a second agreement with Malaysia for the construction of a Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS-2), further strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries in the defense and maritime sectors.
According to a statement from the company, construction of the first Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS-1) for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is progressing rapidly, while the parties have now reached an agreement for a second vessel of the same class.
The Letter of Acceptance for the Procurement of One Multi-Purpose Mission Ship-2 (MPMS-2) was exchanged at a ceremony held at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The document was signed by Dato’ Sri Amran Bin Muhammed Zin, Secretary General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Cenk İsmail Kaptanoğlu, Chairman of DESAN Shipyard.
The MPMS-2 will be built as a sister ship to the first vessel, featuring the same technical specifications while incorporating additional capabilities. The 99-meter-long ship will be constructed in Türkiye by Turkish engineers and workers within 24 months, with delivery of both vessels targeted by the end of 2027.
The vessel will be equipped with four fast intervention boats, two vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a helicopter deck capable of supporting helicopters up to 11 tons, a medical bay, and detention facilities for 45 people. With a capacity of 70 personnel and 30 passengers, the ship will be able to operate continuously at sea for up to 30 days.
The project will be certified by Türk Loydu, and—similar to the first vessel—will integrate weapons, electronic, and communications systems from leading Turkish defense companies, including ASELSAN and HAVELSAN.
In addition to these systems, the second vessel will also include an unmanned/autonomous surface vehicle (USV) to be built by DESAN. This will mark the company’s first export of an unmanned surface vehicle.
Commenting on the agreement, DESAN Shipyard Chairman Cenk İsmail Kaptanoğlu said Türkiye’s competitive and innovative capabilities in shipbuilding and defense industries are gaining international recognition through concrete and reliable projects.
He noted that the success and technical competence demonstrated in the first MPMS project were the key factors paving the way for the second order.
“We see this new vessel as a continuation of a long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries and are very pleased to contribute to Malaysia’s maritime security,” Kaptanoğlu said. He also added that DESAN views Malaysia as a strategic hub for Southeast Asia and hinted that further long-term investments in the country would be announced soon.
Source: Anadolu Ajansı/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök