ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf on Fridayunderscored the deepening defence partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye,describing the bilateral relationship as having moved from conventionalplatforms to cutting-edge maritime domains.
Speaking at the 13th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar(IDEAS-2024) in Karachi, the Navy Chief revealed that both countries arenow poised to collaborate on unmanned maritime systems, advanced underwatertechnologies and next-generation sensor development.
He emphasised that the successful joint production of MILGEM-classcorvettes has laid a robust foundation for expanding cooperation intoautonomous vessels, mine-countermeasure systems and sophisticated maritimesurveillance networks.
Admiral Ashraf expressed confidence that the two navies could soon ventureinto co-development of submarines, fast-attack craft and anti-submarinewarfare capabilities, leveraging Türkiye’s growing shipbuilding expertiseand Pakistan’s operational experience in the Arabian Sea.
The admiral noted that joint manufacturing would not only enhanceinteroperability between the two navies but also reduce dependence ontraditional suppliers while creating a regional technology ecosystem.
He revealed that dedicated working groups have already begun technicaldiscussions on transferring critical underwater sensor technology andintegrating artificial intelligence into maritime unmanned platforms.
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Defence analysts view the announcement as a strategic counterbalance in theIndian Ocean region, where both nations seek greater self-reliance amidevolving geopolitical challenges.
The growing partnership is expected to feature regular joint exercisesfocusing on unmanned operations and the establishment of a joint researchcentre for maritime technology in the coming years.
Source: www.dawn.com/news/1874298″>https://www.dawn.com/news/1874298Source: www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=7152″>https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=7152