The 2nd Pakistan Navy MILGEM-class ship, PNS KHAIBAR, was officially commissioned at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, Türkiye, in a ceremony attended by the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M).
President Erdoğan described Pakistan-Türkiye relations as exemplary and emphasized the importance of enhanced defence production collaboration in the future.
Admiral Ashraf acknowledged the contributions of M/s ASFAT, Istanbul Naval Shipyard, and the original equipment manufacturers involved in planning, designing, and constructing the MILGEM ships. He highlighted that bilateral engagements between the Pakistan Navy and Turkish Naval Forces strengthen defence collaboration and reflect the deepening partnership between the two countries.
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During the ceremony, President Erdoğan was presented with a Guard of Honour aboard the ship and met the crew. He and Admiral Ashraf exchanged views on regional maritime security and discussed potential future joint initiatives between the Pakistan Navy and Turkish Naval Forces.
MILGEM-class ships are technologically advanced surface platforms, equipped with modern command and control systems, integrated weapons, and advanced sensors.
Under a 2018 contract between Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production and M/s ASFAT, four MILGEM-class ships are being constructed for Pakistan—two in Türkiye and two in Pakistan. The commissioning of PNS KHAIBAR marks the completion of the two ships built in Türkiye.
