Pakistan's 4th MILGEM ship launched in Karachi

By Harun Kutbe

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - As part of the MILGEM project, the fourth warship, named PNS TARIQ, was launched on Wednesday in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi.

The ceremony was attended by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

"Beyond its own needs, Türkiye also builds ships for many developed countries of the world. Thanks to the capacity we have developed in the field of defense, we have the ability to voluntarily manage the processes in which we are involved, without the need for anyone's consent.

"The establishment of global peace and stability depends on the establishment of a fair balance in the defense industry," Yilmaz said at the ceremony.

Türkiye is always ready to share its knowledge, experience and technology with friendly countries on the defense industry area, Yilmaz said, adding: "Our joint projects with Pakistan are a good example of this approach."

Stressing that Türkiye will continue to cooperate with Pakistan in the field of defense industry in many different fields, including helicopters and aircraft, Yilmaz said that implementation of these projects will strengthen and consolidate the friendship between the two countries.

Sharif, for his part, said Türkiye and Pakistan enjoy "unique" and "deep-rooted" relations.

"Today’s joint venture project is another example of our commitment to support each other, to strengthen each other's industries, trade and enhance our economic cooperation," he added.

The MILGEM ships were built simultaneously in Türkiye and Pakistan for the Pakistani Navy by Türkiye's Military Factory and Shipyard Management Inc. (ASFAT).

Equipped with long-range effective sensors and weapon systems, the new generation corvettes are difficult to track due to their low radar cross-section and will increase the deterrence of the Pakistani Navy.

The agreement for MILGEM ships between Türkiye and Pakistan was signed on Sept. 6, 2018.

The first ship was launched in August 2021, the second one in May 2022, and the third in November 2022.

*Writing by Diyar Guldogan from Ankara with contributions