Key points
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf attended the ceremony.
- The project underscores deepening Pakistan–Türkiye defence cooperation and joint naval production.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan commissioned its second MILGEM-class warship, PNS Khaibar, at a ceremony held at Istanbul Naval Shipyard in Türkiye, marking a major milestone in the Pakistan Navy’s modernisation programme and its defence partnership with Ankara.
According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has graced the event as the chief guest. Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf was also present at the commissioning ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, President Erdogan described Pakistan–Türkiye relations as exemplary and rooted in strong brotherly ties. He stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in defence production in the coming years, terming joint projects as a key pillar of bilateral relations.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, speaking on the occasion, acknowledged the role of ASFATi, a state-owned Turkish defence company operating under Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence, Istanbul Naval Shipyard and original equipment manufacturers involved in the planning, design and construction of the Pakistan Navy MILGEM ships.
President Erdoğan highlighted exemplary Pak Türkiye ties & future defence coop. CNS Adm Naveed Ashraf appreciated ASFAT & partners for PN MILGEM construction. Commissioning of PNS KHAIBAR completes construction of 2 MILGEM ships in Türkiye while remaining 2 under const in Pak.2/2 pic.twitter.com/NyGDkQPUSg
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) December 21, 2025
Defence collaboration
He welcomed the steady expansion of defence collaboration between the two countries and said sustained naval engagement reflected the depth and durability of the partnership.
Following the commissioning, President Erdogan visited PNS Khaibar, where he was presented with a guard of honour and interacted with officers and sailors of the ship. During the visit, the Turkish president and the Pakistan Navy chief exchanged views on regional maritime security and discussed future avenues for joint initiatives between the Pakistan Navy and Turkish Naval Forces.
Commissioning ceremony of the 2nd PN MILGEM class ship PNS KHAIBAR was held at Istanbul Naval Shipyard, Türkiye. President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan graced the ceremony as Chief Guest, while CNS Adm Naveed Ashraf also attended the ceremony. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/nnpRRYI1VD
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) December 21, 2025
The MILGEM-class ships are among the most technologically advanced surface combatants in the Pakistan Navy’s fleet. They are equipped with modern command and control systems, advanced sensors and a range of contemporary weapons, enhancing the navy’s operational reach and maritime security capabilities.
The contract for the construction of four MILGEM-class ships for Pakistan was signed in 2018 between Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production and Türkiye’s ASFAT. Under the agreement, two ships were built in Türkiye, and two are being constructed in Pakistan. The commissioning of PNS Khaibar marks the completion of the construction of both vessels built in Türkiye.
