İSTANBUL (MNN); Türkiye has formally handed over the MILGEM-class corvette PNS Khaibar to Pakistan during a ship delivery ceremony held at the İstanbul Naval Shipyard Command, marking another significant milestone in the growing defence cooperation between the two brotherly nations.
Addressing the ceremony, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighted the deep-rooted and enduring bond between Türkiye and Pakistan. He said that the friendship between the two countries, shaped by shared history and tested through generations, would continue to grow stronger with time. He expressed confidence that the bilateral relationship would flourish further, describing it as a brotherhood destined to last.
The induction of PNS Khaibar into the Pakistan Navy represents a major boost to Pakistan’s maritime defence capabilities. The advanced corvette is equipped with modern sensors, weapons systems and stealth features, enhancing Pakistan Navy’s operational readiness in the region.
The MILGEM project, also known as the National Ship initiative, is one of Türkiye’s flagship indigenous defence programmes aimed at producing modern warships for coastal and blue-water operations.
Under an agreement signed between Pakistan and Türkiye, four MILGEM corvettes are being constructed for the Pakistan Navy, with two built in Türkiye and two in Karachi with technology transfer.
This project reflects the expanding strategic partnership between the two countries, which spans defence production, joint military exercises and training. Over the years, Türkiye has emerged as one of Pakistan’s key defence partners, supporting naval modernisation efforts amid evolving regional maritime security challenges.
