Dearsan launches second missile attack craft for Qatar navy
Ceremony in Istanbul marks key delivery as new vessel strengthens Qatari maritime defense and patrol capacity
ISTANBUL, Türkiye (MNTV) — Turkish shipbuilder Dearsan has ceremonially launched the second and final missile attack craft (MAC‑50) ordered by the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces, in a formal event held on February 14, 2026 at the company’s shipyard in Istanbul.
The vessel, named Al Ghariyah and designated with pennant number Q‑52, was floated out in the presence of senior officials from both the Turkish and Qatari navies.
The launch concludes the building phase of a two‑ship contract signed in June 2023 and first announced at the DIMDEX 2024 defense exhibition in Doha.
Construction of the MAC‑50 platforms began in early 2024, with the keel for Al Ghariyah laid in December that year. The first ship in the series, Al Wakrah (Q‑51), was launched on November 17, 2025 and is undergoing final outfitting and trials ahead of delivery.
The MAC‑50 class measures 50.76 meters in length with a beam of 9.53 meters and a draft of 2.10 meters.
The missile attack craft is powered by three diesel engines coupled to waterjets, enabling a maximum speed of 36 knots and an operational range of up to 1,000 nautical miles, Dearsan technical documentation shows.
Designed to meet Qatar’s specific operational needs in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea, the vessel’s combat systems include Roketsan ÇAKIR anti‑ship missiles and Roketsan Sungur surface‑to‑air missiles for layered offensive and defensive capabilities.
A Leonardo 40 mm main gun is supported by two Aselsan‑STAMP remote weapon stations and dual 12.7 mm manual machine guns for close‑in defense.
The MAC‑50’s sensor suite comprises an Aselsan MAR‑D surveillance radar for surface and air picture generation, a low probability of intercept navigation radar, electro‑optical targeting sensors and an electronic support measures system to enhance situational awareness.
According to naval defense analysts, the vessel is configured for a range of missions, including surface warfare, air defense, and asymmetric operations.
Secondary roles include maritime patrol, territorial waters protection, counter‑piracy and counter‑trafficking operations, as well as search and rescue tasks.
The MAC‑50 design evolved from Dearsan’s original fast attack craft (FAC) concept. At Qatar’s request, the design was extended from 43 meters to 50 meters, allowing accommodation of enhanced weapons, sensors and mission systems, and prompting the customer‑driven reclassification to “Missile Attack Craft” (MAC).
Officials said the pair of MAC‑50 ships will play a strategic role in Qatar’s naval modernization, enhancing deterrence and response capabilities in a region of high maritime traffic and evolving security challenges.
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