RES Shipyard has reached a major milestone in the world’s largest serial shipbuilding initiative, involving the construction of up to 188 ARES 35 Fast Patrol Boats (FPBs) for the Turkish Coast Guard Command. The shipyard has now completed training for 1,117 personnel, equipping them to operate in diverse mission profiles, including search and rescue (SAR), counter–irregular migration, anti-human trafficking operations, and maritime security patrols across Türkiye’s coastline and Lake Van. The ARES 35 FPB is a proven multi-role patrol craft, optimized for high-speed operations exceeding 35 knots, with robust seakeeping capabilities suitable for harsh environmental conditions. Designed in compliance with Turkish Lloyd (Türk Loydu) classification standards, the platform offers operational flexibility in missions ranging from SAR to exclusive economic zone (EEZ) protection.
According to company information released on 20 March, the program is progressing through the final stages of design verification and model testing as part of the Critical Design Review (CDR) phase. Serial production is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2025. Production output is expected to be highly accelerated, with six boats delivered every two months — equating to one fully launched vessel per week. The patrol boats will be deployed across all Turkish maritime zones — from the Black Sea’s northeastern Artvin province to Hatay on the southeastern Mediterranean — supporting border security, maritime safety, and law enforcement missions in alignment with national and international obligations.
The ARES 35 FPB is a next-generation fast patrol craft measuring 12.04 meters in length with a beam of 3.76 meters and a hull draft of 0.80 meters, designed to deliver exceptional performance in a variety of maritime security operations. Capable of reaching a maximum speed of 35 knots and operating at a range of up to 160 nautical miles, the vessel is powered by two high-performance diesel engines coupled to advanced waterjet propulsion systems, ensuring rapid acceleration, superior maneuverability, and reliable operation even in challenging sea states. Its hull is constructed from carbon-reinforced composites using state-of-the-art vacuum infusion technology, resulting in a lightweight yet highly durable structure that enhances speed, fuel efficiency, and seakeeping ability.
Founded in 2006 by Kerim Kalafatoğlu, ARES Shipyard swiftly grew to become the country’s fastest-growing company and largest exporter of military and commercial vessels. By employing the latest technology in both construction techniques and design, ARES products lead the way in the fields of military and commercial sectors, building upon the family’s long tradition of shipbuilding and sailing. In order to grow the company significantly, a strategic decision was taken to move into the military and commercial sectors, drawing on the company’s expertise in working with steel, aluminum, and composite construction. By investing heavily in elements such as human resources, organization, and quality management, integrated logistics support, and advanced production technologies, ARES Shipyard has achieved its aim and has secured numerous sales to naval forces, coast guards, maritime law enforcement agencies, and private companies.
