ISTANBUL NAVAL SHIPYARD: The Pakistan Navy has commissioned its second Milgem-class ship, PNS Khaibar, in Turkiye. The ceremony took place at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard on Sunday. The Inter-Services Public Relations confirmed the development in an official statement.
The commissioning marks another milestone in Pakistan-Turkiye defence cooperation. It also reflects steady progress under a key naval modernisation programme. Officials described the event as strategically significant for both countries.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended the ceremony as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, he praised relations between Pakistan and Turkiye. He termed the bilateral ties brotherly and exemplary.
President Erdogan also emphasised future cooperation. He stressed the importance of expanding collaboration in defence production. He said both countries should deepen joint ventures in advanced military technologies.
Meanwhile, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf addressed the gathering. He welcomed the strengthening defence partnership between the two nations. He highlighted the importance of mutual trust and shared strategic goals.
Admiral Ashraf acknowledged the efforts of Turkish defence institutions. He praised M/s ASFAT and Istanbul Naval Shipyard for their commitment. He also recognised the role of original equipment manufacturers involved in the project.
According to the naval chief, planning and design standards remained exceptionally high. He said the construction reflected professional excellence and technical precision. He added that cooperation had met all operational requirements of the Pakistan Navy.
Furthermore, Admiral Ashraf underlined the value of sustained naval engagement. He said bilateral interactions between the Pakistan Navy and Turkish Naval Forces continue to grow. These engagements, he noted, strengthen defence collaboration significantly.
He added that such cooperation also reflects enduring strategic partnership. According to him, both navies share common views on maritime stability. They also share responsibility for ensuring regional security.
Following the commissioning ceremony, President Erdogan boarded PNS Khaibar. The ship’s crew presented him with a guard of honour. He later interacted with officers and sailors deployed on the vessel.
During the visit, the Turkish president held discussions with Admiral Naveed Ashraf. Both leaders exchanged views on maritime security challenges. They focused on developments affecting the broader region.
They also discussed future avenues of cooperation. These included joint naval initiatives and coordinated maritime operations. Officials said both sides expressed interest in expanding collaboration.
The ISPR highlighted the technological significance of the Milgem-class ships. It said these vessels represent the most advanced surface platforms in the Pakistan Navy fleet. The ships incorporate modern naval warfare capabilities.
According to the military’s media wing, the ships feature advanced command and control systems. These systems integrate with modern weapons. They also work alongside sophisticated sensors.
Officials said the new capabilities will enhance operational readiness. The ships will support multi-role missions at sea. These include surface warfare, anti-air operations, and maritime surveillance.
The Milgem project began with a defence agreement in 2018. Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production signed the contract with M/s ASFAT of Turkiye. The agreement covered construction of four ships.
Under the arrangement, two ships were built in Turkiye. The remaining two ships are under construction in Pakistan. This structure aimed to promote technology transfer and local capacity building.
The commissioning of PNS Khaibar completes construction of both ships in Turkiye. Officials described this phase as a major achievement. They said it reflects successful international collaboration.
Naval analysts say the project will strengthen Pakistan’s maritime posture. It also enhances interoperability with friendly navies. The development comes amid evolving regional security dynamics.
With PNS Khaibar joining the fleet, the Pakistan Navy moves closer to its modernisation goals. Officials say future milestones will follow with locally built ships. The navy expects these platforms to play a critical operational role.
