Key points
- Pakistan-Türkiye collaboration on MILGEM corvettes
- PNS Babur joined Pakistan Navy after trials
- PNS Khaibar to conduct joint Turkish Navy operations
ISLAMABAD: A warship built in Türkiye for the Pakistan Navy under the PN MILGEM project has successfully completed live-fire tests, demonstrating advanced technological capabilities, system integration, and operational dependability, according to a report released on Monday.
The PNS Khaibar, the second of four MILGEM-class corvettes tailored for Pakistan, accurately hit sea, land, and aerial targets during recent trials, the Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.
The 2020 agreement between Ankara and Islamabad aimed to build four MILGEM-class corvettes—two at Istanbul Naval Shipyard and two at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW).
Türkiye’s ASFAT is the primary contractor for the project, while defence software and electronics company Havelsan provides the ADVENT Combat Management System and FLEETSTAR Ship Data Distribution System, also acting as the project’s main systems integrator.
The first ship of the project, PNS Babur, successfully completed its firing tests in April 2024 and joined the Pakistan Navy the following month.
Naval export projects
Having passed its live-fire trials, PNS Khaibar will now participate in joint operations with the Turkish Navy before heading to Karachi for final acceptance.
During the live-fire tests, the ship’s 76mm main gun accurately hit a designated land target, while the STOP 25mm remote-controlled stabilised gun system delivered precise shots on surface targets. These successful trials showcased the technological maturity, integration success, and operational reliability of the PN MILGEM programme.
The construction of the third ship, PNS Badr, is nearing completion at the Karachi shipyard, with its first sea trials expected in December. The fourth and final corvette, PNS Tariq, is also under construction at KSEW, with testing set to begin by late 2026, marking the completion of one of Türkiye’s most significant naval export projects.
