Turkey’s STM debuts multi-role support ship model in Malaysia
STM said the vessel is designed to “support amphibious operations” through armored unit transportation, to deliver logistical support and can be used for search and rescue operations.
A model of Turkish firm STM’s Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) unveiled at a Malaysian defense show on May 20, 2025. (STM image)
BEIRUT — Turkish defense firm STM today unveiled a model for its Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) for the first time in Malaysia.
In a statement, STM said the vessel is designed to “support amphibious operations” through armored unit transportation, to deliver logistical support and can be used for search and rescue operations.
“For the first time, we are introducing our Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) at LIMA in Malaysia, specifically designed to meet the operational requirements of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN),” said STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz at the announcement event during Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA).
The envisioned 153-meter (approximately 500-foot) vessel, can carry up to 650 personnel, 14 main battle tanks, nine armored amphibious vehicles and two helicopters up to 15 tons each, according to the firm.
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MRSS is equipped with a main gun, four remote-controlled weapon systems and two decoy launchers.
STM’s pitch for the MRSS for the Malaysian navy comes after the service awarded a contract to the firm for three other vessels under Littoral Mission Ship Batch 2 (LMSB2) based on Ada-class corvette design. The firm started construction of the first vessel in December 2024, and the project is expected to be completed in 2027.
At LIMA, which takes place over four days this week, STM said it is showing models of six naval platforms and tactical mini-unmanned aerial vehicles, including KARGU combat UAV and TOGAN surveillance drone. Additionally, the TCG BÜYÜKADA (F-512) corvette operated by Turkish navy sailed to Malaysia to take part of the exhibition.
