Istanbul: The commissioning ceremony of the second Pakistan Navy MILGEM class ship, PNS KHAIBAR, took place at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard in Turkiye. President of the Republic of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, attended the event as the chief guest, with the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, also in attendance.

According to Radio Pakistan, President Erdogan addressed the ceremony, highlighting the exemplary brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkiye. He emphasized the necessity for enhanced collaboration in defense production between the two nations in the future. Admiral Naveed Ashraf, speaking at the event, acknowledged the efforts of Turkiye’s Ministry of National Defence (ASFAT), the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, and the Original Equipment Manufacturers involved in the planning, design, and construction of the PN MILGEM ships.

The Naval Chief expressed appreciation for the strengthening defense partnership between Pakistan and Turkiye. He noted that the bilateral engagements between the Pakistan Navy and Turkish Naval Forces significantly contribute to the defense collaboration between the two countries, reflecting a deepening partnership.

Following the ceremony, President Erdogan and Admiral Ashraf exchanged views on regional maritime security and explored avenues for future joint initiatives between the Pakistan Navy and Turkish Naval Forces. The PN MILGEM ships are described as technologically advanced surface platforms, equipped with the latest Command and Control Systems, integrated with modern weapons and advanced sensors.