### Strengthening Naval Ties: Pakistan Commissions Second MILGEM-Class Warship On December 21, 2025, Pakistan's naval capabilities were significantly enhanced with the commissioning of the PNS Khaibar, the second MILGEM-class corvette built in collaboration with Turkiye. This event marks a pivotal moment in the defense partnership between the two nations, emphasizing their commitment to mutual cooperation in maritime security and defense production. The ceremony took place at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, attended by notable figures including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan's Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf. The commissioning of PNS Khaibar not only reflects the successful transfer of technology but also underscores the strategic importance of naval modernization for Pakistan amidst regional security dynamics [https://www.firstpost.com/world/pakistan-inducts-second-turkiye-built-milgem-warship-deepening-naval-partnership-ws-e-13961830.html, https://idrw.org/pakistan-navy-gets-second-milgem-class-ship-made-by-turkiye]. ### Overview of the Commissioning Event and Its Implications 1. **Ceremony Highlights**: - The commissioning ceremony was held at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, with President Erdogan as the chief guest [https://www.nation.com.pk/21-Dec-2025/pakistan-navy-commissions-pns-khaibar-turkiye]. - Admiral Naveed Ashraf praised the deepening defense ties and the technological advancements represented by the MILGEM-class ships [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3738043-pns-khaibar-commissioned-strengthening-naval-ties-between-pakistan-and-turkiye]. 2. **Strategic Significance**: - The PNS Khaibar is part of a broader initiative to modernize Pakistan's naval fleet, which includes a total of four MILGEM-class ships, two of which are being constructed in Turkiye and two in Pakistan [https://www.nation.com.pk/21-Dec-2025/pakistan-navy-commissions-pns-khaibar-turkiye]. - Erdogan emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration in defense production, highlighting the exemplary relations between Pakistan and Turkiye [https://24newshd.tv/21-Dec-2025/tayyab-erdogan-stresses-need-pak-turkiye-defence-cooperation]. 3. **Regional Context**: - The commissioning of PNS Khaibar is seen as a strategic move in the context of regional maritime security, particularly concerning India and other neighboring countries [https://www.republicworld.com/videos/defence/pakistan-pns-khaibar-turkiye-india-impact]. - Discussions during the ceremony included prospects for future joint initiatives between the Pakistan Navy and Turkish Naval Forces [https://www.nation.com.pk/21-Dec-2025/pakistan-navy-commissions-pns-khaibar-turkiye]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Metrics**: - **Ship Class**: MILGEM-class (PNS Khaibar) - **Total Ships in Contract**: 4 (2 built in Turkiye, 2 in Pakistan) - **Commissioning Date**: December 21, 2025 - **Location**: Istanbul Naval Shipyard, Turkiye - **Key Attendees**: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Admiral Naveed Ashraf The MILGEM-class ships are equipped with advanced command and control systems, modern weapons, and sophisticated sensors, marking a significant upgrade in Pakistan's naval capabilities [https://www.nation.com.pk/21-Dec-2025/pakistan-navy-commissions-pns-khaibar-turkiye]. ### Conclusion: A Milestone in Pakistan-Turkiye Relations The commissioning of the PNS Khaibar represents a **significant milestone** in the defense collaboration between Pakistan and Turkiye, reinforcing their strategic partnership in maritime security. 1. **Strengthened Defense Ties**: The event underscores the commitment to mutual defense cooperation and technology transfer. 2. **Modernization of Naval Fleet**: The addition of the PNS Khaibar enhances Pakistan's naval capabilities, crucial for regional security. 3. **Future Collaborations**: Ongoing discussions indicate a pathway for further joint initiatives and defense production efforts. This development not only enhances Pakistan's maritime defense but also solidifies the bilateral relationship with Turkiye, setting a precedent for future collaborations in defense and security [https://www.firstpost.com/world/pakistan-inducts-second-turkiye-built-milgem-warship-deepening-naval-partnership-ws-e-13961830.html, https://idrw.org/pakistan-navy-gets-second-milgem-class-ship-made-by-turkiye].