ISTANBUL: ISPR took to the X to inform that President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was the Chief Guest of the commissioning ceremony of 2nd Pakistan Navy MILGEM class ship PNS KHAIBAR, held at Naval Shipyard here on Sunday (21st Dec, 2025).
According to ISPR,: “Speaking on the occasion, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, termed the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Türkiye as exemplary. He further emphasized the need for enhanced mutual collaboration in the field of defence production in future as well.
“Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf acknowledged the commitment of M/s ASFAT, Istanbul Naval Shipyard and the OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) involved in planning, design and construction of PN MILGEM ships. Naval Chief also appreciated the deepening defence partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye.
“Naval Chief highlighted that bilateral engagements between Pakistan Navy and Turkish Naval Forces not only contribute immensely towards strengthening Pakistan-Türkiye defence collaboration but also reflect our enduring and deepening partnership.
“Following the ceremony, Turkish President visited the ship, where he was presented Guard of Honour and interacted with ship’s crew. During the visit Turkish President and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed 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 planned to be constructed at Türkiye and remaining two ships in Pakistan. Commissioning of PNS KHAIBAR marks the completion of construction of both Ships at Türkiye.”
It is pertinent to mention here that Ghazi, the 4th Hangor-Class submarine, built by China for Pakistan Navy, has been launched at Shuangliu Base, here on Wednesday (17th Dec, 2025).
Nuclear weapons: Hangor-class submarine’s six 533 torpedo tubes enables Pakistan to launch nuclear-capable Babur-3 cruise missiles.
It is pertinent to mention here that according to the $5 billion deal with China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company, (inked ten years ago, during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit of Pakistan), eight diesel-electric attack submarines were to be made.
First 4 were to be constructed at Wuchang (China) and the remaining 4 in Pakistan (by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Limited) under a comprehensive technology transfer agreement. Following the deliveries of Hangor-class vessels, Pakistan will be able to discard French Agostas.
All four Hangor submarines constructed in China are undergoing sea trials and soon will be handed over to Pakistan. In order to maintain peace and stability in the area, these 2,800-ton submarines will be fitted with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems that facilitate prolonged submerged operations.
Newspakistan.tv
