Karachi, Pakistan – The Pakistan Navy has officially inducted its second MILGEM-class corvette, PNS Khaibar, into its fleet on Saturday during a high-profile ceremony held at the Karachi naval base. The induction represents a significant milestone in Pakistan’s ongoing
naval modernization program and underscores the deepening defence partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye. The event was attended by Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and other senior military and civilian officials.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Admiral Naveed Ashraf reaffirmed the Pakistan Navy’s unwavering commitment to defending the country’s sovereign seas and safeguarding its maritime borders. “The induction of PNS Khaibar, along with the upcoming HANGOR-Class submarines, marks a watershed moment in the Pakistan Navy’s modernization journey,” he said. “These platforms will substantially enhance our operational flexibility, combat power, and strategic reach across our areas of responsibility.”
The Naval Chief highlighted Pakistan’s unique geostrategic position along critical maritime trade routes and energy corridors in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. “Our location necessitates a strong, modern and capable naval force to protect national interests and ensure the security of sea lines of communication,” Admiral Ashraf added. He described the new corvette as a vital asset that will strengthen Pakistan’s ability to respond to emerging maritime challenges, including asymmetric threats, anti-submarine warfare, and surface surveillance.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the Pakistan Navy in an official statement, calling the induction “another important milestone in bolstering our defence capabilities and securing our sea frontiers.” He praised the collaborative effort with Türkiye and expressed confidence that the new vessels would play a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
PNS Khaibar is the second of four MILGEM-class corvettes being acquired by Pakistan under a 2018 agreement with Türkiye’s ASFAT (Military Factory and Shipyard Management Corporation). Two of the ships are being built in Türkiye, while the remaining two are under construction at the Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW). This hybrid model was specifically designed to facilitate technology transfer, including design, engineering, and project management expertise, enabling Pakistan to develop greater self-reliance in warship construction.
The MILGEM-class vessels are advanced multi-mission corvettes measuring 99 meters (325 feet) in length with a displacement of approximately 2,400 tons. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 29 knots, they are equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, weapons systems, and stealth features that significantly reduce their radar signature. These anti-submarine warfare (ASW) focused platforms are highly versatile, able to conduct maritime patrol, search and rescue, and surface combat operations effectively.
The first MILGEM corvette for Pakistan, PNS Babur, was commissioned in 2023, while steel cutting for the lead ship in the series took place in October 2019 in Istanbul. The ceremony was jointly attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and then-Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, symbolizing the strong strategic bond between the two nations.
Türkiye ranks among only ten countries worldwide with the indigenous capability to design, construct, and maintain advanced warships. Its MILGEM project has gained international recognition for delivering cost-effective yet highly capable platforms. For Pakistan, the acquisition forms a cornerstone of its broader naval expansion plan aimed at countering evolving threats in the Indian Ocean region.
Strategic Significance and Regional Context
Pakistan’s naval modernization comes at a time of increasing maritime competition in the Indian Ocean. The country’s 1,046-kilometer coastline and proximity to the Strait of Hormuz — through which a large portion of global oil trade passes — make maritime security a top national priority. The Pakistan Navy plays a vital role in protecting merchant shipping, countering piracy, and ensuring freedom of navigation in its exclusive economic zone, which spans over 290,000 square kilometers.
The induction of PNS Khaibar significantly boosts the navy’s surface fleet capabilities. Combined with the forthcoming HANGOR-class submarines — an advanced variant of the Chinese Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) submarines — Pakistan is steadily building a more balanced and lethal naval force. These developments are expected to enhance deterrence and provide greater operational reach in both defensive and expeditionary roles.
Defence analysts view the Pakistan-Türkiye collaboration as a model of South-South cooperation. Unlike traditional Western suppliers, the partnership offers advanced technology with fewer political strings attached. It also allows Pakistan to diversify its defence procurement sources while building domestic industrial capacity at KSEW. Local shipbuilding expertise gained through this project is expected to benefit future indigenous programmes.
The MILGEM corvettes are equipped with modern systems including vertical launch surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and a 76mm main gun. Their stealth design and sophisticated electronic warfare suites make them particularly effective in contested environments. Once all four vessels join the fleet, they will form a potent squadron capable of operating independently or as part of larger task forces.
Broader Naval Modernization Drive
Pakistan Navy’s current modernization drive extends beyond surface combatants. Plans include the acquisition of new frigates, fast attack craft, maritime patrol aircraft, and unmanned systems. The navy is also investing heavily in coastal defence, mine countermeasures, and cyber capabilities to address hybrid threats.
These efforts reflect Pakistan’s determination to maintain a credible conventional deterrent against potential adversaries while contributing to regional maritime security frameworks. The country actively participates in international anti-piracy operations, joint exercises with friendly navies, and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) initiatives in the Arabian Sea.
The successful integration of Turkish MILGEM technology also strengthens people-to-people and military-to-military ties between Pakistan and Türkiye. Both nations share historical, cultural, and strategic affinities, and their defence cooperation has expanded into multiple domains including joint ventures, training exchanges, and co-production.
As PNS Khaibar begins its operational journey, it joins a growing fleet that includes Chinese-built Type 054AP frigates and other advanced platforms. Together, these assets position the Pakistan Navy as one of the most capable maritime forces in the northwestern Indian Ocean.
Looking ahead, the remaining two MILGEM corvettes are expected to be delivered progressively over the next few years, further enhancing Pakistan’s naval posture. The successful localization of construction at Karachi Shipyard also paves the way for more ambitious future projects, potentially including larger warships designed and built primarily in Pakistan.
The induction ceremony on Saturday was not merely a military event but a powerful demonstration of Pakistan’s resolve to secure its maritime frontiers in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. With PNS Khaibar now flying the national ensign, the Pakistan Navy takes another confident step toward becoming a modern, technologically advanced force fully prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.
This development reinforces Pakistan’s commitment to peace through strength while highlighting the fruits of its strategic partnerships. As regional dynamics continue to evolve, a robust Pakistan Navy will remain essential for safeguarding national interests and contributing to stability in one of the world’s most important maritime theatres.
