ISLAMABAD: The commissioning ceremony of 2nd Pakistan Navy MILGEM class ship PNS Khaibar was held at Istanbul Naval Shipyard, Turkiye, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the chief guest, the spokesman of Pakistan Navy said in a statement.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf also attended the ceremony.
Addressing the ceremony, President Erdogan described the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkiye as exemplary and emphasized 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 Ashraf acknowledged the commitment of M/s ASFAT, Istanbul Naval Shipyard and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) involved in planning, design and construction of PN MILGEM ships. He also appreciated the deepening of defence partnership between Pakistan and Turkiye.
Admiral Ashraf highlighted that bilateral engagements between Pakistan Navy (PN) and Turkish Naval Forces (TNF) not only contribute immensely towards strengthening Pakistan-Turkiye defence collaboration but also reflect the enduring and deepening partnership between the two countries.
Following the ceremony, the Turkish president visited the ship, where he was presented a guard of honour and interacted with the ship’s crew. During the visit, President Erdogan and Naval Chief Admiral Ashraf 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.
The contract for construction of 4 MILGEM class ships for Pakistan was signed between Ministry of Defence Production, Pakistan and M/s ASFAT, Türkiye in 2018, wherein two ships were planned to be constructed in Turkiye and remaining two ships in Pakistan. Commissioning of PNS Khaibar marks the completion of construction of both ships in Turkiye.
