The MILGEM project initiated by Türkiye is a turning point in the strategic partnership with Ankara, the Pakistani prime minister said.
Karachi hosted an inauguration ceremony for PNS Tariq, the fourth and last corvette built by Türkiye. The launch ceremony was attended by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said boosting bilateral relations in new technologies and joint defense production is vital, describing the MILGEM project as “an important turning point” in the cooperation between Ankara ve Islamabad.
In July 2018, the Pakistan Navy signed a contract with Türkiye’s state-run defense firm ASFAT to acquire four MILGEM-class ships.
According to the agreement, two corvettes will be built in Türkiye, and the other two will be built in Pakistan, which also involves technology transfer between the two countries.
MILGEM vessels have a length of 99 meters (325 feet), a displacement capacity of 2,400 tons, and a speed of 29 nautical miles.
Later, Sharif and Yılmaz discussed bilateral relations, regional issues, and matters of mutual interest. The Pakistani premier said he was pleased due to the strong cooperation between the two countries.
The Pakistan Navy’s first corvette ship, PNS Babar, was launched in Istanbul in August 2021, and the foundation stone for the second ship, PNS Badr, was laid in Karachi in May of this year.
Türkiye is one of 10 capable countries to design, build, and maintain warships with domestic resources.
Breaking News Turkey with agencies