What's Happening?
Dearsan Shipyard in Istanbul has launched the second Qatari fast attack craft (FAC), named Al Ghariyah (Q-52), on February 14, 2026. This launch is part of a contract signed in June 2023 in Doha for two vessels, with construction starting in February 2024.
The keel-laying ceremony for these vessels took place in December 2024, and the first vessel, Al Wakrah (Q-51), was launched in November 2025. The FACs are designed to be 50.76 meters long, with a beam of 9.53 meters and a draught of 2.10 meters. They are capable of reaching a top speed of 36 knots and have a range of approximately 1,000 nautical miles. The vessels are equipped with Çakır surface-to-surface missiles, Sungur air-defense missiles, a 40 mm Leonardo Marlin main gun, and additional weaponry for close-range protection.
Why It's Important?
The launch of the Al Ghariyah represents a significant enhancement of Qatar's naval capabilities, contributing to its defense strategy in the region. The addition of these fast attack crafts strengthens Qatar's maritime security and deterrence capabilities, particularly in the strategically important Persian Gulf. The vessels' advanced weaponry and speed make them a formidable presence in regional waters, potentially altering the balance of naval power. This development also underscores the growing defense collaboration between Qatar and Turkey, as Dearsan Shipyard continues to play a pivotal role in Qatar's naval expansion. The potential for additional vessels could further solidify this partnership and enhance regional security dynamics.
What's Next?
Dearsan officials have indicated readiness to negotiate for an additional three missile boats, which could expand the program into a five-ship class. This expansion would further bolster Qatar's naval fleet and enhance its maritime defense capabilities. The production and systems integration phases will continue until the boats are delivered to Qatar, with the vessels expected to enter service by mid-2027. The ongoing collaboration between Qatar and Turkey in defense manufacturing may lead to further joint projects, potentially influencing regional defense strategies and alliances.
