Steel cutting ceremony for locally built MILGEM class ship for Pakistan Navy was held at Karachi Shipyard. The MILGEM class ship is being built with Turkish assistance and would be equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors. Managing Director Shipyard Rear Admiral Athar Saleem was the special guest of the occasion.

As per details, the agreement between Turkish authorities and Pakistan stated that two of the ships would be built in Turkey and the remaining two under the Transfer of Technology Agreement at the Karachi Shipyard. The construction of the ship will be completed by February 2024.

This Transfer of Technology agreement not only reflects strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Turkish Navy but it would also give a boost to the local shipbuilding industry.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan Navy is strategically investing in becoming self-sufficient in shipbuilding especially for the purpose of maritime petrol, security and surveillance, particularly after Pakistan Navy foiled an attempt by an Indian submarine to enter Pakistani waters last year.