Pakistan commissioned the MILGEM-class warship PNS Khaibar in Istanbul, strengthening defence cooperation with Turkiye and advancing a joint naval programme that includes technology transfer and multiple corvette deliveries
The Pakistan Navy on Sunday, December 21, commissioned PNS Khaibar in Istanbul, marking a significant step in its defence partnership with the Republic of Turkiye. The addition of the warship boosts Pakistan’s surface fleet and highlights ongoing technology-transfer cooperation under the bilateral naval programme.
The commissioning ceremony was held at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard and was attended by Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, according to a statement issued by the Pakistani military’s media wing. PNS Khaibar is the second MILGEM-class ship constructed in Turkiye for Pakistan under the agreement.
“PN MILGEM ships are the most technologically advanced surface platforms. These vessels are equipped with the latest Command and Control Systems integrated with modern weapons and advanced sensors,” the statement said.
MILGEM contract and construction plan
Pakistan signed a contract in July 2018 to purchase four corvettes from Turkish state-owned defence firm ASFAT. The MILGEM project is Turkiye’s warship programme designed to produce multipurpose corvettes and frigates capable of missions ranging from reconnaissance and surveillance to early warning, anti-submarine warfare, surface combat, and amphibious operations.
The first of the four vessels, PNS Babur, was delivered in 2023.
“At a ship delivery ceremony held at the İstanbul Naval Shipyard Command, the MILGEM corvette PNS Khaibar was officially handed over to Pakistan marking yet another milestone in bilateral defense cooperation,” the Turkish embassy said in a press release.
During the ceremony, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan underscored the strong ties between the two nations.
At a ship delivery ceremony held at the İstanbul Naval Shipyard Command, the MILGEM corvette PNS Khaibar was officially handed over to Pakistan marking yet another milestone in bilateral defense cooperation.
Addressing the ceremony, H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan… pic.twitter.com/vlRJq8TIXe
— Türkiye in Pakistan (@TC_IslamabadBE) December 20, 2025
“The Türkiye–Pakistan friendship, rooted deep in our shared history and tested over centuries, will— Allah willing— endure until the end of time, flourish, and grow ever stronger,” the embassy quoted Erdoğan as saying.
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