Romania Welcomes First New Combat Ship in Decades: Turkish-Built Corvette Arrives

Romania has officially welcomed its first new combat ship in over 30 years, the corvette "Contraamiral August Roman" (261). Built in Turkey, the vessel entered Constanța port on Friday, marking a significant step in Romania's naval development and its cooperation with Turkey in defense.

During its transit through the Bosphorus Strait into the Black Sea, the Romanian vessel received a radio greeting from Turkish command. "Welcome to the Black Sea," the message stated, underscoring the shared economic and military interests between Romania, Turkey, and Bulgaria in the region. Interim Defense Minister Radu Miruță shared this moment, emphasizing that the Black Sea unites rather than divides these nations.

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Welcome to the Black Sea.

The "Contraamiral August Roman" is a modern corvette, approximately 100 meters long, designed for surveillance, patrol, rescue, and combat operations. It is equipped with advanced armament, radar, and sonar systems compatible with NATO standards and can operate an embarked helicopter. The ship's design allows for future upgrades with new combat systems and sensors.

This acquisition is part of Romania's broader efforts to enhance its naval capabilities and adapt to evolving security demands in the region. The vessel was delivered under an intergovernmental agreement signed in December 2025, a product of defense industry cooperation between Romania and Turkey. The crew of 85 soldiers experienced a symbolic meeting at sea with the veteran frigate "Regele Ferdinand" on their journey home.

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Between Romania, Turkey, and Bulgaria, there isn't a sea that divides us, but one that unites us. We all have common economic and military interests around the Black Sea.