Pakistan Navy Commissions 2nd MILGEM-Class Ship PNS Khaibar in Turkey
The Pakistan Navy has taken another major step toward strengthening its maritime defense capabilities with the commissioning of PNS Khaibar, the second MILGEM-class corvette, at a formal ceremony held at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard in Türkiye. The event highlights the growing defence partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye and marks a key milestone in the PN MILGEM Project, one of Pakistan Navy’s most important modernization programs.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as the chief guest, along with Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Naveed Ashraf, senior naval officials, defence industry representatives, and dignitaries from both countries.
What Is the MILGEM Project?
The MILGEM Project (Milli Gemi – “National Ship”) is Türkiye’s indigenous warship program designed to produce modern, stealth-capable, multi-role naval vessels. Pakistan signed a landmark agreement with Türkiye to acquire four MILGEM-class corvettes under a technology-transfer model.
Key Objectives of the PN MILGEM Program
- Modernize Pakistan Navy’s surface fleet
- Enhance maritime security and sea control
- Improve local shipbuilding and defense manufacturing
- Strengthen strategic cooperation with Türkiye
Out of the four ships, two are being built in Türkiye, while the remaining two are under construction in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW).
PNS Khaibar: Second MILGEM-Class Ship for Pakistan Navy
PNS Khaibar is the second MILGEM-class corvette commissioned for the Pakistan Navy, following the induction of PNS Babur, the lead ship of the class.
The induction of PNS Khaibar significantly boosts Pakistan Navy’s operational readiness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and enhances its ability to counter conventional and non-traditional maritime threats.
Key Features and Capabilities of PNS Khaibar
PNS Khaibar is a state-of-the-art warship designed for multi-mission naval warfare.
Major Capabilities
- Air defense operations
- Surface warfare
- Anti-submarine warfare
- Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
- Maritime patrol and escort missions
Advanced Technology
- Modern stealth design to reduce radar signature
- Advanced combat management system
- Sophisticated sensor and radar suites
- Integrated electronic warfare systems
- Capability to operate ship-borne helicopters
These features make PNS Khaibar one of the most advanced surface combatants in Pakistan Navy’s fleet.
Türkiye President Erdoğan’s Remarks at the Ceremony
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the deep-rooted brotherly ties between Pakistan and Türkiye. He described the MILGEM project as a symbol of strategic trust and long-term cooperation between the two nations.
President Erdoğan also highlighted:
- Strong defence-industrial collaboration
- Shared strategic interests
- Future joint projects in defence and technology
He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Pakistan in naval, air, and land defence sectors.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf Praises Defence Cooperation
Pakistan Navy’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, lauded the efforts of ASFAT (Turkish Armed Forces Foundation) and its partner organizations for their dedication and professionalism in completing the PN MILGEM project.
Key Points from Admiral Naveed Ashraf’s Address
- Appreciated Türkiye’s role in capacity building
- Highlighted successful technology transfer
- Emphasized local shipbuilding development in Pakistan
- Reiterated Pakistan Navy’s commitment to maritime security
He also stated that the MILGEM project would play a crucial role in strengthening Pakistan’s indigenous defence capabilities.
Strategic Importance of PNS Khaibar for Pakistan
The induction of PNS Khaibar comes at a time when maritime security challenges in the region are increasing.
Why PNS Khaibar Matters
- Protects Pakistan’s sea lines of communication (SLOCs)
- Supports Gwadar Port and CPEC maritime routes
- Enhances deterrence in the Indian Ocean
- Strengthens Pakistan Navy’s blue-water operations
With increasing regional competition and naval modernization by neighboring countries, Pakistan Navy’s MILGEM fleet significantly improves force balance and deterrence posture.
Construction Status of Remaining MILGEM Ships
According to DGPR Navy, Türkiye has now completed the construction of two MILGEM ships for Pakistan:
- PNS Babur
- PNS Khaibar
The remaining two ships are currently under construction in Pakistan, marking a major achievement in local defense manufacturing.
This reflects Pakistan’s growing ability to:
- Build advanced warships locally
- Absorb complex naval technologies
- Reduce dependence on foreign suppliers
Pakistan–Türkiye Defence Relationship: A Growing Strategic Bond
Pakistan and Türkiye share a long history of diplomatic, military, and cultural ties. Defence cooperation has become a central pillar of this relationship.
Areas of Cooperation
- Naval shipbuilding (MILGEM Project)
- Military training and joint exercises
- Defence technology transfer
- Aerospace and armored systems
The commissioning of PNS Khaibar further strengthens this partnership and opens doors for future joint ventures.
Impact on Pakistan Navy’s Fleet Modernization
The MILGEM program is part of a broader Pakistan Navy modernization strategy, which includes:
- New frigates and corvettes
- Maritime patrol aircraft
- Submarine upgrades
- Enhanced coastal surveillance
PNS Khaibar adds a modern, flexible, and combat-ready platform to the fleet, ensuring Pakistan Navy remains capable of addressing emerging maritime threats.
Regional and Global Significance
The induction of advanced warships like PNS Khaibar sends a strong signal about Pakistan’s commitment to:
- Regional stability
- Maritime security cooperation
- Protection of international trade routes
It also reflects Pakistan’s growing role as a responsible maritime power in the Indian Ocean Region.
Future Outlook of the PN MILGEM Program
With two ships already commissioned and two under construction locally, the PN MILGEM project is moving steadily toward completion.
Expected Outcomes
- Fully operational four-ship MILGEM fleet
- Enhanced local shipbuilding expertise
- Long-term defence self-reliance
- Stronger Pakistan–Türkiye strategic alliance
The success of this project may pave the way for future naval collaboration between the two countries.
Conclusion
The commissioning of PNS Khaibar, Pakistan Navy’s second MILGEM-class ship, is a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s maritime defence. Built through close collaboration with Türkiye, the ship represents modern naval warfare capability, strategic partnership, and technological advancement.
As Pakistan Navy continues to modernize its fleet, platforms like PNS Khaibar will play a vital role in ensuring national security, regional stability, and maritime dominance.
FAQs – Pakistan Navy MILGEM Project
1. What is PNS Khaibar?
PNS Khaibar is the second MILGEM-class corvette commissioned into the Pakistan Navy, built under the PN MILGEM Project with Türkiye.
2. Where was PNS Khaibar commissioned?
PNS Khaibar was commissioned at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard in Türkiye.
3. How many MILGEM ships will Pakistan Navy have?
Pakistan Navy will have a total of four MILGEM-class ships.
4. Who attended the commissioning ceremony?
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf attended the ceremony.
5. What is the role of MILGEM ships?
MILGEM ships are multi-role warships designed for air defense, surface warfare, anti-submarine operations, and maritime security.
