Pakistan Navy commissions second MILGEM class ship ‘PNS Khaibar’ in Istanbul

The commissioning ceremony of 2nd Pakistan Navy MILGEM class ship PNS Kahibar was held at Istanbul Naval Shipyard in Turkiye, the Director General Public Relations - Navy (DGPR - Navy) said on Sunday.

President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan graced the occasion as chief guest. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf also attended the ceremony.

Addressing the ceremony, President Erdogan termed the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkiye as exemplary. The president further emphasised the need for enhanced mutual collaboration in the field of defence production in future as well.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf acknowledged the commitment of Turkiye’s Ministry of National Defence (ASFAT), Istanbul Naval Shipyard and the OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) involved in planning, design and construction of PN MILGEM ships, the DGPR - Navy said.

The Naval chief also appreciated the deepening defence partnership between Pakistan and Turkiye. He highlighted that bilateral engagements between Pakistan Navy and Turkish Naval Forces not only contribute immensely towards strengthening Pakistan-Turkiye defence collaboration but also reflect our enduring and deepening partnership.

Following the ceremony, the Turkish president and Naval chief Naveed also exchanged views on maritime security in the region and discussed avenues for future PN-TNF joint initiatives.

PN MILGEM ships are the most technologically advanced surface platforms. These vessels are equipped with latest Command and Control Systems integrated with modern weapons and advanced sensors.

President, PM hail commissioning of PNS Khaibar

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif felicitated the Pakistan Navy, defence experts and all partners on the commissioning of PNS Khaibar.

President Zardari termed the commissioning of a Pakistan Navy MILGEM class ship in Turkiye as an important milestone for the national maritime defence, President Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release.

The president said the commissioning of the modern naval vessel would further strengthen the defence of country’s maritime frontiers and security.

“The defence cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye reflects the mutual trust and long-standing brotherly relations,” he added.

The president also reaffirmed his commitment to further expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the defense industry.

He opined that enhancing naval power was essential for the protection of Pakistan’s economy, trade and sea routes.

The MILGEM-class ship project was a successful precedent of the technical expertise and shared vision of both countries, he further added.

In a separate statement, PM Shehbaz said the PNS Khaibar’s commissioning would further strengthen the protection of Pakistan’s maritime frontiers.

The prime minister further said that the defence cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye showed mutual trust and long-standing brotherly relations between the two countries.

“Enhancement of naval strength and capabilities is indispensable for countries economy, trade and the security of sea routes,” PM Office Media Wing, in a press release quoted the prime minister as saying.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a separate press release said that PN MILGEM ships were the most technologically advanced surface platforms. These vessels are equipped with latest Command and Control Systems integrated with modern weapons and advanced sensors, it said.

“The contract for construction of 4 MILGEM class ships for Pakistan was signed between Ministry of Defence Production, Pakistan and M/s ASFAT, Turkiye in 2018, wherein two Ships planned to be constructed at Turkiye and remaining two ships in Pakistan. Commissioning of PNS KHAIBAR marks the completion of construction of both Ships at Turkiye,” it added.