(MENAFN) A landmark defense agreement between Türkiye and Romania was finalized Wednesday, marking an unprecedented milestone in military cooperation between the two NATO allies, according to Turkish defense officials.

ASFAT, Türkiye's state-owned defense procurement agency, confirmed the sale of the TCG Akhisar naval vessel to Romania, representing the first instance of Turkish warship exports to a nation holding dual membership in both the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union.

The corvette, which completed construction at Istanbul Shipyard Command last year, will bolster Romania's naval capabilities while enhancing maritime security throughout the region, ASFAT announced Wednesday.

According to the defense firm's official statement, the transaction demonstrates "the reliability, quality, and technological competence achieved not only by ASFAT but also by the Turkish defense industry in the international arena."

ASFAT further characterized the agreement as evidence that "military cooperation between Türkiye and Romania had reached a new level."

The vessel's integration into Romania's fleet "will contribute to regional maritime security and provide strong support for modernization of the Romanian Naval Forces," the company stated.

The deal signals Türkiye's expanding footprint in the global defense market and strengthens bilateral ties between the two NATO members at a time of heightened security concerns across the Black Sea region.

MENAFN04122025000045017169ID1110435140