ISLAMABAD: In a significant boost to Pakistan’s naval modernizationefforts, PNS Khaibar (F-282), the second vessel in the Babur-class ofguided missile corvettes under the PN MILGEM project, has embarked on itsmaiden voyage from Türkiye to Karachi. This journey marks the vessel’sofficial transition to active service following its recent commissioningceremony at Istanbul Naval Shipyard on December 20, 2025. The eventunderscores deepening defence ties between Pakistan and Türkiye whileenhancing the Pakistan Navy’s operational reach in the Arabian Sea andIndian Ocean region.
The Babur-class corvettes represent a customized variant of Türkiye’sproven MILGEM Ada-class design, adapted to meet Pakistan Navy requirementsfor multi-role surface combatants. PNS Khaibar, measuring approximately108.2 metres in length with a displacement of around 2,985 tons, featuresadvanced propulsion systems enabling speeds exceeding 26 knots and anoperational range of about 3,500 to 4,000 nautical miles. Thesespecifications allow extended deployments, crucial for patrolling vital sealanes and ensuring maritime security amid evolving regional threats.
Under the 2018 bilateral agreement, the PN MILGEM programme encompassesfour corvettes, with the first two built in Türkiye and the remaining pairunder construction at Karachi Shipyard. PNS Babur (F-280), the lead ship,was commissioned in September 2023 and has since integrated advanced weaponsystems, including Harbah anti-ship cruise missiles, Albatros-NGsurface-to-air missiles, and a 76mm main gun. PNS Khaibar incorporatessimilar capabilities, supported by the Turkish ADVENT combat managementsystem, which enables network-centric warfare and precise targeting.
The commissioning of PNS Khaibar followed successful sea trials andlive-fire exercises completed earlier in 2025, demonstrating the vessel’sreadiness for anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine missions. Thesetrials highlighted the corvette’s integration of indigenous and Turkishtechnologies, reflecting Pakistan’s push for self-reliance in defenceproduction. The ship’s journey to Karachi involves a transit throughinternational waters, where it will undergo final integration into fleetoperations upon arrival.
This delivery comes at a time when the Pakistan Navy is prioritizing fleetexpansion to counterbalance conventional and asymmetric challenges in themaritime domain. The Babur-class vessels introduce enhancedanti-access/area denial (A2/AD) potential, bolstering deterrence in theIndian Ocean. Analysts note that these corvettes, with their stealthfeatures, advanced sensors, and helicopter facilities, significantlyupgrade the navy’s surface warfare capabilities compared to older platforms.
The maiden voyage symbolizes not only a technical milestone but alsostrategic cooperation between Islamabad and Ankara. Türkiye has emerged asa key partner in Pakistan’s naval ambitions, providing technology transferand joint production expertise. The programme has facilitated training forPakistani crews in Türkiye, ensuring seamless operational handover andlong-term sustainment of the vessels.
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Upon reaching Karachi, PNS Khaibar will join active duty with the PakistanNavy’s surface fleet, contributing to exercises, patrols, and potentialmultinational operations. The arrival is expected to include formalwelcoming ceremonies, highlighting national pride in acquiringstate-of-the-art platforms. Future inductions, including PNS Badr and PNSTariq, are scheduled for 2026 and 2027, completing the quartet and furthermodernizing the force.
The PN MILGEM initiative aligns with broader defence reforms aimed atenhancing blue-water capabilities and protecting economic interests,including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor maritime routes. Thesecorvettes provide versatile platforms for diverse missions, fromhumanitarian assistance to high-intensity conflict scenarios, therebyreinforcing Pakistan’s strategic posture.
In summary, the departure of PNS Khaibar on its maiden voyage represents apivotal step in Pakistan Navy’s transformation into a more capable andtechnologically advanced maritime force.
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