According to Defense Romania on March 29, 2025, Romania seems to have decided to acquire one Hisar-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) from Türkiye. The decision was apparently approved by Romania’s Supreme Council of National Defence (CSAT), which stated that the (unnamed) vessel would significantly contribute to the Romanian Naval Forces and is part of ongoing modernization and procurement programs. The announcement follows an internal meeting where CSAT members evaluated the security context and approved the acquisition of a new light corvette capable of conducting a variety of missions in the shortest time possible. The Romanian Ministry of National Defence has been authorized to initiate the necessary procedures. If finalized, this would represent Türkiye’s first confirmed sale of an offshore patrol vessel to a member state of the European Union.
According to sources in Romania’s political and defense sectors, the vessel in question will be a Hisar-class OPV constructed in Türkiye by ASFAT. This procurement is expected to have immediate operational impact, though questions remain regarding the involvement of the Romanian defense industry and whether any offset agreements are part of the arrangement. At present, it is unclear how or whether Romania’s local shipbuilding sector will contribute to the delivery, outfitting, or future maintenance of the vessel.
The decision to purchase a single ship has raised attention, as it contrasts with previously stated priorities. In late 2024, Romanian Navy Chief Vice Admiral Mihai Panait outlined plans for acquiring two offshore patrol vessels and three new frigates, with a stated preference for domestic construction in support of Romania’s defense industry. This was also aligned with an objective to advance participation in the European Patrol Corvette program. Romania has a history of building modern naval vessels at its Galați shipyard, owned by Damen, including vessels for other NATO navies. An earlier procurement program involving four Gowind 2500 multi-role corvettes, awarded to France’s Naval Group and intended for construction in Constanța, was cancelled following disagreements between Naval Group and the Constanța shipyard.