Türkiye_ Pakistan commissioned its second MILGEM-class warship PNS Khaibar, during a ceremony held at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard in Türkiye.
The President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the event as the chief guest, while Pakistan’s Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was also present.
The ceremony marks a major milestone in Pakistan-Türkiye defence cooperation.
Erdogan calls Pakistan–Türkiye ties exemplary
Addressing the ceremony, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan praised the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Türkiye calling them exemplary for the region.
He emphasized the need to further strengthen collaboration in defence production and continue expanding strategic cooperation.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf acknowledged the efforts of ASFAT, Istanbul Naval Shipyard and the Original Equipment Manufacturers involved in the planning, design and construction of the MILGEM-class ships.
He said the partnership reflects the growing depth of defence ties between the two countries.
The naval chief added that engagements between Pakistan Navy and Turkish Naval Forces contribute greatly to enhancing security cooperation and reflect a long-standing and trusted partnership.
Advanced capabilities and future cooperation
After the commissioning ceremony, President Erdoğan visited PNS Khaibar.
He reviewed a Guard of Honor and interacted with the ship’s crew.
The Turkish President and Admiral Naveed Ashraf also exchanged views on maritime security and discussed future areas of cooperation, including joint naval initiatives between Pakistan and Türkiye.
The MILGEM-class ships are among the most advanced surface platforms equipped with modern command and control systems, integrated weapons and state-of-the-art sensors.
The contract to build four MILGEM ships for Pakistan was signed in 2018 between Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production and ASFAT.
Under the agreement, two ships were constructed in Türkiye and two in Pakistan.
The commissioning of PNS Khaibar marks the completion of both vessels built in Türkiye, further strengthening Pakistan’s naval modernization and bilateral defence partnership.
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