Turkey’s Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) has delivered its domestically produced 76mm Denizhan naval gun to Europe for the first time, equipping Romania’s TCG Akhisar offshore patrol vessel. The milestone marks Turkey’s first defense export of the system to a European NATO member, reflecting growing international demand for Turkish-integrated defense solutions.

The Denizhan gun, capable of engaging air, surface, and shore targets, has a maximum range of 16 kilometers and a firing rate of up to 80 rounds per minute. The system enhances Romania’s naval capabilities in the strategically important Black Sea, providing advanced firepower and versatility for both defensive and operational missions.

TCG Akhisar, a Hisar-class vessel launched in 2023 and transferred to the Romanian Navy in late 2025, integrates additional Turkish technologies, including Aselsan radar systems and Atmaca anti-ship missiles. The ship strengthens Romania’s fleet amid heightened regional tensions caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and increasing Russian naval activity in the Black Sea.

ASFAT, the Turkish defense contractor responsible for coordinating the export, confirmed that the delivery represents a significant achievement for Turkey’s defense industry, showcasing its ability to provide cutting-edge systems to NATO allies while expanding its footprint in European defense markets.

This delivery not only demonstrates Turkey’s growing export capacity but also reinforces Romania’s deterrence and operational readiness. By combining advanced naval guns, precision missiles, and radar systems, Romania gains a multi-layered capability to protect its maritime borders and respond effectively to evolving regional threats.