In a significant milestone for naval cooperation, Turkey has formally delivered the second state-of-the-art MILGEM-class corvette, PNS Khaibar, to the Pakistan Navy. The commissioning ceremony was held at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presiding as the chief guest.
Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, attended the event, highlighting the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
In his address, President Erdoğan praised the exemplary brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkey and emphasized the importance of expanding mutual collaboration in defense production. Admiral Ashraf acknowledged the role of Turkish defense entities—including M/s ASFAT and the Istanbul Naval Shipyard—in the planning, design, and construction of the advanced vessels.
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He noted that the growing defense partnership reflects the enduring bond between the two countries and enhances maritime security cooperation.
Advanced Naval Capabilities
The PN MILGEM ships are among the most technologically advanced surface platforms in the region. They are equipped with:
- Modern command and control systems
- Integrated advanced weapons and sensor suites
- Enhanced stealth and combat capabilities
Following the ceremony, President Erdoğan visited PNS Khaibar, where he was presented a guard of honor and interacted with the crew. He and Admiral Ashraf also discussed regional maritime security and future joint initiatives between the two navies.
This delivery marks continued progress in the MILGEM project, which aims to modernize the Pakistan Navy’s fleet and bolster its defensive capabilities through Turkish defense expertise and collaboration
