Скачать или смотреть Pakistan commissions PNS Khaibar in Türkiye, deepening naval, defence ties

ISTANBUL, Sunday, December 21, 2025 (WNP/ISPR): Pakistan on Sunday commissioned its second MILGEM-class corvette, PNS Khaibar, at a ceremony held at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, marking a major milestone in Pakistan–Türkiye defence cooperation and naval modernization.
The ceremony was graced by President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as the chief guest, while Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), senior military officials, and representatives of the defence industry from both countries were also in attendance.
Addressing the ceremony, President Erdoğan described the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Türkiye as exemplary and emphasized the importance of further strengthening mutual collaboration in defence production. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to expanding strategic cooperation with Pakistan in advanced military technologies.
Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Naveed Ashraf acknowledged the dedication and professionalism of M/s ASFAT, the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, and the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) involved in the planning, design, and construction of the Pakistan Navy’s MILGEM-class ships. He lauded the growing defence partnership between the two countries, noting that sustained naval engagements between the Pakistan Navy and Turkish Naval Forces have significantly strengthened bilateral defence cooperation and reflect a deepening strategic partnership.
Following the commissioning ceremony, President Erdoğan visited PNS Khaibar, where he was presented a Guard of Honour and interacted with the ship’s officers and crew. During the visit, the Turkish President and Admiral Naveed Ashraf exchanged views on regional maritime security and discussed avenues for future joint initiatives between the Pakistan Navy and Turkish Naval Forces.
The PN MILGEM-class ships represent the Pakistan Navy’s most technologically advanced surface combatants. Equipped with state-of-the-art command and control systems, modern weapons, and advanced sensors, the vessels significantly enhance Pakistan’s maritime defence capabilities.
The contract for the construction of four MILGEM-class ships for Pakistan was signed in 2018 between Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production and M/s ASFAT, Türkiye. Under the agreement, two ships were to be constructed in Türkiye, while the remaining two are being built in Pakistan. The commissioning of PNS Khaibar marks the completion of construction of both MILGEM ships built in Türkiye, representing a key achievement in bilateral defence industrial collaboration.