Launch of PNS KHAIBAR Corvette, Keel-Laying of AKHISAR’s First Block, and Steel Cutting of KOÇHISAR
At the ceremony hosted by the Ministry of National Defense (MoND), Rear Admiral Recep Erdinç YETKİN, Commander of Istanbul Shipyard, took the floor first and provided details on both the Pakistan Navy's (PN) MILGEM and the Turkish Navy's Offshore Patrol Vessel Project. Afterwards, Esad AKGÜN, CEO of ASFAT, Admiral Ercüment TATLIOĞLU, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan NIAZI, Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Navy, Hulusi AKAR, Minister of National Defense, Sardar Muhammad Israr TAREEN, Minister of Defense Production of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz SHARIF, Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN, President of the Republic of Türkiye delivered speeches.
Following the speeches, the keel of the 1st ship of the Offshore Patrol Ship Project, AKHISAR, was laid, and the steel cutting of the 2nd ship, KOÇHISAR was made. The 3rd ship PNS KHAIBAR, built under the PN-MILGEM Project, was launched after the guests’ photo session.
Noting that the launch, keel laying, and steel cutting of three separate ships will be carried out simultaneously for the first time during the ceremony, Rear Admiral Recep Erdinç YETKİN, Commander of Istanbul Shipyard, said that PN-MILGEM Corvettes are 108.2m long, 14.8m wide and have a displacement of 2,985 tons. Rear Admiral YETKİN stated that the ship is ready to launch on schedule today after 94,960 man/days of work, 2,470 tons of processed steel, and the installation of 113 devices and systems. He also pointed out that some of the weapons and systems on PN-MILGEM Corvettes were supplied as Pakistan Government Furnished Equipment (GFE/DEMAM), while others are being developed and integrated in our country. Rear Admiral YETKIN continued his speech as follows:
“Among the most significant of these weapons and systems are the sonar system, the friend and foe identification system, the P-282 Pakistan surface-to-surface missiles, ALBATROS surface-to-air guided missiles, and the GÖKDENIZ Close-In Weapon System. All these systems are integrated with the ADVENT Combat Management System (CMS). In addition to these capabilities, the ship will be able to travel uninterruptedly for 30 days at sea from Istanbul to Karachi without refueling or replenishing. The construction program of four Pakistani corvettes is still ongoing, with a six-month phase difference, in our military shipyards in Karachi and Istanbul. Our KHAIBAR ship, whose first welding was performed last year and which we will launch today, is scheduled to be delivered in August 2024. As part of the project, 157 Pakistani personnel have so far received on-the-job training. With the directives of our President, construction programs also continue with shorter construction durations and higher rates of indigenization. For this purpose, the Offshore Patrol Vessel Project has also been initiated to address our Blue Homeland operational requirements in a fast and cost-effective manner. This project is based on the combat proven MILGEM design, however various configuration changes are being made in compliance with the project's concept and operational needs. This ship is planned to be launched in July 2023 and completed in just two years. In line with this goal, for the first time, three of the bottom blocks weighing 85 tons have been assembled as a whole, and two devices/systems have been installed. Today, it has been made ready for the first time to be laid as an outfitted mega block.
We believe that our KHAIBAR ship, the first welding of which was performed by our President and all subsequent welding have been meticulously completed, will proudly fly the flag of friendly and brotherly Pakistan on the seas together with other ships in its fleet. On this route, I wish KHAIBAR's seas to be high and winds to be calm, with the hope that her compass will point to truth and justice, her sidelights will show courage and determination, and her beams welded with the spirit of Pakistan-Türkiye brotherhood will show our unity and solidarity.”
Esad AKGÜN, CEO of ASFAT, then took the floor and expressed his great honor for the presence of the most esteemed leaders and commanders of Türkiye and Pakistan on this meaningful day. He emphasized that it is their greatest source of pride that despite the pandemic and the crises affecting the world, the 11th milestone, as in all milestones, continues as planned without a single day delay, in accordance with the vision of “Century of Türkiye.” AKGÜN said, “I would also like to express that we are proud and excited to be simultaneously building seven large platforms, four of which are PN-MILGEM, as a first in the history of the Republic of Türkiye, under ASFAT as the main contractor.”
AKGÜN, CEO of ASFAT continued his speech as follows:
“Thanks to the diligent effort of all our stakeholders, the third of these platforms, the KHAIBAR Ship, is now in the blue waters where it belongs.
Our company, which was established in 2018, successfully carries out the projects it undertakes in the most affordable manner, in the shortest time, with the highest indigenization rate, and using various business models it has developed. The most significant evidence of this is an annual turnover of around US$ 600 million and an annual turnover of about US$ 2 million per employee. As a comprehensive solution partner, ASFAT has never made a distinction between the Turkish Armed Forces and the Pakistani Armed Forces. I would also like to share with our Pakistani brothers our eagerness and enthusiasm to realize, along with the Pakistan MILGEM Project, the Jinnah Class Frigate Project, which has reached the Functional Design Phase, and the National Submarine (MILDEN) Project, which has made significant progress in its design phases. I would like to thank our President, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz SHARIF, Minister of National Defense Hulusi AKAR, Minister of Defense Production of Pakistan Muhammad Israr TAREEN for their great support for each platform, I would like to express my gratitude to Muhsin DERE, our Chairman of the Board of and Deputy Minister of National Defense, Admiral Amjad Khan NIAZI, Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Navy, and Admiral Ercüment TATLIOĞLU, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, who have made a great contribution to our project with their decisions at critical moments. I would also like to thank the commanders of the Istanbul and Karachi Shipyards, our devoted workers and engineers, all the project’s stakeholders who enabled us to work in a team spirit, and of course the valuable employees of ASFAT in Karachi, Islamabad, Istanbul, and Ankara for this outstanding achievement. I hope that the friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Türkiye endures forever and that our ship will be beneficial to us all.”
Admiral Ercüment TATLIOĞLU, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, noted that the struggle for rights and interests in the world's seas is growing in the twenty-first century and added that our country's geographic location makes this struggle in the seas an imperative for us. “It has always been our top priority to establish and maintain a Naval Force that is always fully mission capable, modern, has a high level of training and striking power, and is supported and outfitted with domestic and national ships, weapons, and systems in order to defend our rights and interests in this power struggle in the seas.”
Admiral TATLIOĞLU continued his speech as follows:
“The HISAR Class Offshore Patrol Vessels, which are currently under construction, are a new sign of our determination to be powerful in the waters of this region. The first HISAR Class AKHISAR OPV, whose first blocks will be laid today, and the second HISAR Class KOÇHISAR OPV, whose steel cutting will be made, are the most recent instances of the progress in our defense industry. The HISAR Class OPV will be employed for missions such as reconnaissance, patrol, surveillance, and maritime security in international waters, especially in our maritime jurisdictions, which we refer to as the Blue Homeland. MILGEM Class Corvettes have proven their effectiveness with the missions they have performed thus far. The choice of the MILGEM design for the Naval Forces of Pakistan, a friendly and brotherly country, demonstrates that this design is on par with similar designs seen across the world. The KHAIBAR Corvette launched today, like the BABÜR Corvette, the first MILGEM Class ship of the Pakistan Navy, which was built in our country, is not only a warship project between the two countries, but also an embodiment of the long-standing friendship and brotherhood ties between Türkiye and Pakistan. I would like to express my gratitude to our President for spearheading the realization of projects that will enable the further strengthening of our national and domestic defense industry and our navy. I hope that our ships, which were launched, the initial blocks of which were laid, and the steel cutting of which was completed, will benefit the naval forces of both Pakistan and Türkiye, will significantly contribute to their defense and security, and will proudly fly their flags in the seas.”
At his address Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan NIAZI, Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Navy, underlined that it is indeed a great honor and privilege for him to witness launching of the Pakistan Navy MILGEM Ship for the Pakistan Navy and concurrent keel laying and steeling cutting of offshore patrol vessels being constructed for the Turkish Navy and continued: “Undoubtedly, today’s events are major milestones towards construction of state-of-the-art platforms for their subsequent induction into the respective Navies of our two brotherly countries. I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to his excellency Mr. Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN the President of the Republic of Türkiye for vesting in this, it is a special honor with his presence at this jointly held ceremony. The presence of honorable Mr. Sheva SHARIF the Prime Minister of Pakistan on this auspicious occasion signifies this the exceptional nature of close and cordial nature between our two countries. Pakistan and Türkiye enjoy historical and special relations. The long lasting and deep-rooted friendship has endured the test of time and rests firmly on the pillars of trust, deep respect and mutual support based on principles. The same is manifested in our military collaborations and is evidenced by the construction of the MILGEM ships for the Pakistan Navy. The Pakistan Navy contracted ASFAT for the construction of 4 MILGEM Class ships, 2 of which are being bult in the Istanbul Naval Shipyard and the other two at the Karachi shipyard in Pakistan. The first among them, the PN BABUR was launched in August 2021 at this place, the Istanbul Naval Shipyard. The second one being its brother designate was launched at Karachi shipyard in May this year, the ceremony of which was attended by the honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan and Mr. Hulusi AKAR Minister of National Defense of Türkiye. The MILGEM Project for the Pakistan Navy not only covers the delivery of warships but also embodies transfer of technology, the upgrade of Karachi Shipyard and an offset package to establish a Pakistan Navy Platform Design House for designing next generation Jinnah Class Warships. It is therefore not about delivery of ships alone but instituting a long and enduring partnership between our two brotherly countries and our navies.
Ladies and gentlemen, Pakistan’s geostrategic location and economic significance draws interest of regional as well as global powers from around the world, therefore maintaining security and stability is important. Our important maritime zone is a sacred responsibility entrusted to the Pakistan Navy. The induction of these ships in the Pakistan Navy will significantly strengthen our maritime defense and deterrence capabilities which will ensure secure and stable seas for international trade and the economy.
MILGEM Class ships will become a core element of our response to current and future maritime challenges and contribute to maintaining the balance of power in the Indian Ocean Region. Taking this opportunity, I would like to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of the ASFAT team towards this pivotal project. This strong commitment and professional acumen exhibited by ASFAT management, the supervision of the Turkish Ministry of National Defense and the active support of the Turkish Navy will remain instrumental in the successful completion of the Pakistan Navy MILGEM Program. I am confident that the ASFAT project team along with Istanbul Naval Shipyard will live up to their reputation and accomplish this entrusted task in the most befitting manner. I also foresee an active role for the Turkish Navy for the smooth induction of these modern warships.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of National Defense Hulusi AKAR began by expressing his wish that Pakistan, Türkiye, and their respective navies will benefit from the ships. The PN-MILGEM Project, which is carried out in collaboration with our Pakistani brothers, is a critical project that will carry our relations from the past to the future in a much stronger way, Minister AKAR said, highlighting the deep-rooted friendship and brotherhood ties between Pakistan and Türkiye. Minister AKAR stated that we are going through an era in which geopolitical developments are accelerating, new issues are being added to old ones, and security concerns have reached the highest level. The ships that have been and will be built will significantly contribute to the defense and security of the two countries, he added. Minister AKAR expressed that in such a period, as Türkiye, they closely follow all developments, act proactively, take all kinds of measures related to defense and security, and strive to prepare for the conditions of this new era, and said: "With the multifaceted relationships established by our President in the international arena, Türkiye, which has developed into a country that produces security in the world thanks to its deep-rooted history, geography, values, dynamic population, and strong army, has become more influential, and our country's sphere of influence has expanded to include three continents and its area of interest has expanded to include the entire world.”
Stating that collaboration and solidarity between allied countries is of utmost importance in today's defense and security concept, Minister AKAR said, "In this respect, Türkiye, which has demonstrated a multifaceted and effective diplomacy in the world with the efforts of our President, is forging solid alliances and strategic partnerships with allies in almost every sector, especially in the defense industry, in line with the understanding of ‘Together We Are Much Stronger!’ Minister AKAR shared his belief that the recently launched PNS KHAIBAR Corvette will serve the Pakistan Navy for many years and will further deepen relations between the two countries in the coming period. “With our AKHISAR and KOÇHISAR Offshore Patrol Vessels built for our Naval Forces, the operational capability of our navy will further increase, thus our rights and interests in our seas will be protected much more strongly." Minister AKAR concluded his remarks by thanking everyone who contributed to the project and wishing Turkish and Pakistani sailors the best of luck and success.
At his address Sardar Muhammad Israr TAREEN, Minister of Defense Production of Pakistan, underlined that the launching of the 2nd PN-MILGEM Class ship the PNS KHAIBAR for the Pakistan Navy is evidence of the brotherhood and strong defense collaboration between Pakistan and Türkiye and added, “The PN-MILGEM Class ships being built for the Pakistan Navy is a collaboration with ASFAT of Türkiye is a demonstration of our strong drive toward indigenization which is a need of ours. I’m confident that this cooperation will further intensify in the future. I congratulate ASFAT and Istanbul Naval Shipyard for launching this ship as per schedule.” Minister of Defense Production of Pakistan TAREEN noted that the Turkish Defense Industry has made great progress under President ERDOĞAN in the last two decades and thus it has increased self-reliance in practical defense systems and technologies. “Several Turkish companies are now the leading defense manufacturers in the world. We were very glad to receive strong participation of all 28 Turkish companies in the IDEAS Defense Expo held earlier this month in Karachi,” Minister TAREEN said.
Minister TAREEN continued his speech as follows:
“Ladies and gentlemen, like Türkiye, Pakistan is also blessed with a large and resource-rich maritime zone. The trade and maritime activities are supported by our major seaboard of Karachi and Port Qasim. Our trade activities are going to increase manyfold with further development of financial and industrial infrastructure. The ongoing China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Project is set to enhance regional connectivity and maximize and create trans-shipment with Gwadar Port as the focal point. This would require creating additional capacity to support expansion and economic integration.
Along with these developments and opportunities, our country also faces security challenges. Consequently, the responsibilities of the Pakistan Navy have also increased to safeguard Pakistan’s maritime interests. I’m confident that the PN-MILGEM ships will play a key role in fulfilling our national security needs and help the Pakistan Navy to transform into a formidable force.
Ladies and gentlemen, relations between Pakistan and Türkiye are exceptional, and time tested. Although the two countries are geographically apart, we are united by our faith, common heritage, shared civilization, and unanimity. Unanimity of views on global and strategic issues. We celebrate our achievements and share our sorrows. Whether it is the Kashmir dispute or the Cyprus issue, the two countries have a strong tradition of supporting each other. We stand together, shoulder to shoulder against all threats, including on the issue of terrorism.
Joint ventures like the construction of the PN-MILGEM ships will strengthen our existing defense ties and open new venues of cooperation in the field of construction of an advanced platforms and new emerging technologies.
In the end I would once again express my profound gratitude to his excellency President ERDOĞAN for inviting me on this historic occasion, and I congratulate all those were involved in the PN-MILGEM Project. May our friendship and brotherhood continue to flourish and blossom in the future. Pakistan-Türkiye Friendship Zindabad!”
Speaking at the ceremony, Muhammad Shehbaz SHARIF, Prime Minister of Pakistan, referred to Türkiye as his “second home” and the launching of the 2nd PN-MILGEM Corvette KHAIBAR for the Pakistan Navy as “another great day” in historical relations and brotherhood between Pakistan and Türkiye.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz SHARIF noted that today the world is facing great tensions and the conflict of Russia and Ukraine has created multifarious problems for global societies and added: “I must commend your (President ERDOĞAN) efforts and deeply appreciate your wisdom by brokering the deal for shipments of wheat parcels from Ukraine, otherwise wheat and other commodities are getting in great shortage around the globe and developing countries like Pakistan are facing serious difficulties.”
Prime Minister SHARIF continued his speech as follows:
“Brother President Tayyip ERDOĞAN, today we are here to witness this launching of this wonderful ship for the Pakistan Navy, and that goes to explain in no uncertain terms that Pakistan and Türkiye are deeply engaged in promoting our defense capabilities for peace. To ward off aggression, and as they say, ‘if you want to live in peace, you must be prepared for war.’ So, this is not for aggression, this is for defense. And I would like to propose to my brother President ERDOĞAN, to the great minds sitting here, both Pakistani and Turkish experts, Turkish Navy officers and Pakistani Naval offers and those workers who have done a great job to build this wonderful ship, that let us further enhance our production capacities, let us further cooperate in this field to ensure that peace restores in this world…”
President Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN congratulated everyone who worked on the project, from engineers to employees, and said that the PN MILGEM Project is one of the most significant collaboration projects that has crowned defense industry relations with the brotherly country Pakistan. President ERDOĞAN emphasized that 2023 will be a year of many firsts for the defense industry and said, “Our Fighter UAV KIZILELMA is now in the production line. Tests for engine integration were successfully completed. It will make its maiden flight in 2023. Our Turkish Fighter will be rolled out of its hangar again next year. We will also make the first deliveries of our long-range air defense systems SIPER, KARAOK, BOZDOĞAN, and GÖKDOĞAN in 2023." President ERDOĞAN also noted that they will expeditiously finalize the projects they have initiated in various fields such as Unmanned Ground Vehicles and Naval Vehicles, National Submarine, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and continued his speech as follows:
“We will continue our struggle and not stop until we bring Türkiye to the top spot of the world's super league in the field of the defense industry. Türkiye not only develops and employs many of these systems itself, but also shares them with friendly and brotherly countries like Pakistan. We are making every effort to reinforce Pakistan's defense infrastructure. With the signing of the Pakistan MILGEM Corvette Project in 2018, we reached a key turning point in our defense industry collaboration. In the project we initiated to build four MILGEM Class Corvettes for the Pakistan Navy, the relevant shipbuilding stages are being completed one by one. Two of these ships are being built in Türkiye and two in Pakistan. The additional technology and equipment to be used in the corvettes are also selected among the products of the Turkish defense industry. We attended the BABÜ Blue Homeland R (280) Ship's launching ceremony in Istanbul in August 2021 with President Arif ALVI. The BADR (281) Ship was launched in Karachi in May 2022. As part of the Pakistan MILGEM (PN-MILGEM) Corvette Project, the third ship, KHAIBAR (282), is being launched today. In February 2025, we are planning to deliver our fourth and last ship to Pakistan. We both have the same will to grow our collaboration in the defense industry. I believe that we will continue to demonstrate exemplary solidarity, regionally and globally, by furthering our cooperation with Pakistan in every field”
