Turkey building Pakistan Navy's first MILGEM-class ship

The inaugural ceremony of Pakistan’s Navy first MILGEM class ship starts in Turkey. The MILGEM class ship will be equipped with state-of-the-art underwater, overwater, anti-aircraft weapons and sensors.

According to the Pakistan Navy spokesman, the inaugural ceremony was held at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard. Chief Naval Overseas Commodore Syed Rizwan Khalid of Pakistan Navy stationed in Turkey was the chief guest at the event. A total of four ships shall be built under the agreement.

As per details, the agreement between Turkish authorities and Pakistan states 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 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.

The rising maritime tensions along Pakistan’s coastline has been a reason of Pakistan Navy decisions to invest in ships 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.