Islamabad: On Saturday, Pakistan formally inducted the state-of-the-art corvette PNS Khaibar into its naval fleet, highlighting ongoing efforts to modernize its maritime forces and strengthen the defense of the nation’s sovereign waters and maritime boundaries.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, emphasized that the addition of PNS Khaibar, the second Milgem-class corvette acquired through a long-term naval cooperation agreement with Türkiye, represents a major advancement in the Pakistan Navy’s modernization program. The vessel is outfitted with cutting-edge systems and specialized technologies that significantly boost the navy’s operational versatility and combat strength.
During the induction ceremony, Admiral Ashraf extended his best wishes to the ship’s crew and reiterated the navy’s dedication to protecting Pakistan’s maritime interests amid shifting regional security challenges. He noted that advanced platforms such as PNS Khaibar, along with the upcoming Hangor-class submarines, will enhance the navy’s capacity to counter threats and secure vital sea lines of communication.
This commissioning is part of broader initiatives aimed at improving naval readiness, which include recent joint exercises with allied navies and continuous upgrades to both undersea and surface combat capabilities.
PNS Khaibar was constructed by the Turkish defense company ASFAT under a contract for four Milgem-class corvettes. Two of these vessels have been built in Türkiye, with the remaining units scheduled for delivery in the coming years.
The induction of this warship underscores Pakistan’s strategic focus on modernizing its naval fleet in response to heightened regional tensions and the imperative to safeguard critical maritime routes.
