PNS Khaibar Commissioned in Turkiye as Pakistan, Turkiye Stress Defence Cooperation

ISTANBUL: The commissioning ceremony of Pakistan Navy’s Milgem-class corvette, PNS Khaibar, was held at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, marking a significant milestone in defence collaboration between Pakistan and Turkiye. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who attended the ceremony as the chief guest, emphasised the need to further enhance bilateral cooperation in defence production.

PNS Khaibar is the second of four Milgem-class corvettes being acquired by Pakistan under a contract signed in 2018 with ASFAT Inc, a Turkish state-owned defence contractor. Under the agreement, two ships were constructed in Turkiye, while the remaining two are being built in Pakistan. With the commissioning of PNS Khaibar, construction of both ships being built in Turkiye has now been completed.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday, President Erdogan described the relations between Pakistan and Turkiye as “brotherly” and exemplary. While addressing the ceremony, he underscored the importance of expanding mutual collaboration in defence production, highlighting the strategic nature of defence ties between the two countries.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was also present at the event. In his address, Admiral Ashraf acknowledged the role and commitment of ASFAT, the Istanbul Naval Shipyard and the original equipment manufacturers involved in the planning, design and construction of the Pakistan Navy’s Milgem ships. He noted that the successful completion of the project reflected the growing depth of defence cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye.

The naval chief further stated that ongoing bilateral engagements between the Pakistan Navy and the Turkish Naval Forces contribute significantly to strengthening defence collaboration and demonstrate the enduring partnership between the two countries. He added that such cooperation plays an important role in promoting regional maritime security.

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Following the commissioning ceremony, President Erdogan visited PNS Khaibar, where he was presented with a guard of honour and interacted with the ship’s officers and crew. The ISPR said Admiral Ashraf and Turkish officials also exchanged views on maritime security challenges and discussed possible avenues for future joint initiatives between the two navies.

According to the Pakistan Navy, the Milgem-class corvettes are among its most technologically advanced surface combat platforms. The ships are equipped with modern command and control systems, advanced sensors and integrated weapons, enhancing the navy’s operational capability in maritime security and defence operations.

The commissioning of PNS Khaibar is being seen as a key development in Pakistan-Turkiye defence relations, reflecting long-term cooperation in naval modernisation and indigenous capability development.

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