Rawalpindi(National Times)- The Pakistan Navy on Saturday inducted the second Milgem-class corvette into its fleet, said a statement from the service’s public relations department.
The warship is the second of four Milgem class corvettes, the contract for which was signed with ASFAT Inc, a Turkish state-owned defence contractor firm in 2018.
Under this contract, two ships were to be constructed in Turkiye and the remaining two ships in Pakistan.
At the induction ceremony of the warship PNS Khaibar, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted that Pakistan’s strategic location along vital maritime trade and energy corridors demands a potent naval force to safeguard national interests and ensure secure sea lines of communication (SLOCs).
The naval chief maintained that during last year’s war with India, the navy was “poised to sink” the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier, which forced the warship and its escorts to retreat to their “perceived safe havens”.
“The mastery and conduct of naval operations during Marka-i-Haq delivers an unequivocal message that any attempt to challenge Pakistan’s maritime interests will be met with an appropriate response,” the statement quoted the naval chief as saying.
Admiral Ashraf emphasised that the navy is being equipped with “state-of-the-art” platforms and niche technologies, enabling it to target “critical infrastructure and naval assets of the adversary”.
In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his joy and pride at the induction of the corvette.
“This important development is a milestone towards enhancing Pakistan’s defence capabilities and effective protection of its maritime borders,” he said. He added that the induction of modern platforms, including PNS Khaibar and the upcoming Hangor-class submarines, will significantly enhance the Pakistan Navy’s operational capability, defence strength, and strategic outreach.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strategic importance, the prime minister noted that the country’s geographical location was of immense significance, as key global trade and energy routes pass through its maritime domain.
He emphasised that a strong, balanced, and technologically advanced navy was essential to protect national interests and ensure the security of sea lines of communication.
Referring to Marka-i-Haq, the period of conflict with India in May 2025, the premier said Pakistan Navy’s professionalism and sound strategy compelled the enemy to retreat.
He said the government was fully committed to aligning and equipping the Pakistan Navy with modern-day needs.
The commissioning ceremony for PNS Khaibar was held at Istanbul Naval Shipyard in December 2025.
At the event, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had emphasised the need for enhanced mutual collaboration in the field of defence production between the two countries.
The groundbreaking of the third Milgem-class ship had been held in January 2021, with Ergodan launching its welding.
