Pakistan Navy Commissions PNS Khaibar In Turkiye, Strengthening MILGEM Defence Partnership And Fleet Modernisation

The Pakistan Navy on Sunday (December 21, 2025) commissioned PNS Khaibar, the second MILGEM-class warship built in Turkiye, marking a major milestone in Islamabad’s naval modernisation drive and its deepening defence partnership with Ankara.

The commissioning ceremony, held at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, was attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, underscoring the strategic importance both countries attach to the programme.

How does MILGEM corvettes enhance Pakistan Navy capabilities?

With the induction of PNS Khaibar, Pakistan has completed the construction of two MILGEM corvettes in Turkiye under a transfer of technology (ToT) agreement, significantly boosting the Pakistan Navy’s surface combat capabilities.

The addition enhances Pakistan’s ability to undertake a wide spectrum of maritime operations amid evolving regional security dynamics in the Indian Ocean.

What are the MILGEM corvettes that Pakistan got from Turkiye?

According to a statement issued by the Pakistani military’s media wing, the PN MILGEM ships are among the most technologically advanced surface platforms in the fleet.

“These vessels are equipped with the latest Command and Control Systems integrated with modern weapons and advanced sensors,” the statement said, highlighting their role in network-centric naval warfare.

How did Pakistan acquire the MILGEM corvettes?

The MILGEM project stems from a contract signed in July 2018, under which Pakistan agreed to acquire four MILGEM-class corvettes from Turkish state-owned defence firm ASFAT.

As per the agreement, two ships are being constructed in Turkiye, while the remaining two are being built in Pakistan, enabling critical know-how transfer to Pakistan’s domestic shipbuilding industry. The commissioning of PNS Khaibar formally concludes Turkiye’s construction phase of the programme.

How will MILGEM corvette become the backbone of Pakistan Navy?

The first ship of the class, PNS Babur, was delivered to the Pakistan Navy in 2023, paving the way for subsequent inductions. Once all four vessels are operational, the class is expected to form a core component of Pakistan’s modern surface fleet.

Developed under Turkiye’s national warship programme, MILGEM (Milli Gemi) corvettes are designed as multi-mission platforms, capable of conducting reconnaissance and surveillance, early warning, anti-submarine warfare, surface combat, and amphibious support operations.

Their modular design and advanced combat systems make them adaptable to both peacetime and high-intensity conflict roles.

What did Turkiye say about PNS Khaibar?

In a separate statement, the Turkish Embassy described the handover of PNS Khaibar as “yet another milestone in bilateral defence cooperation.” President Erdoğan, addressing the ceremony, emphasised the enduring relationship between the two nations, saying the Turkiye–Pakistan friendship, rooted in shared history, would continue to grow stronger.

The commissioning of PNS Khaibar not only reinforces Pakistan’s naval combat readiness but also reflects the expanding scope of Turkiye–Pakistan strategic defence cooperation, particularly in indigenous capability development and technology transfer.