PNS Babur sets sail, marking milestone in Türkiye-Pakistan naval collaboration

Türkiye’s Military Factory and Shipyard Management Corporation (ASFAT) took to Twitter to announce a significant milestone in naval cooperation with Pakistan. The tweet revealed that the first PN MILGEM Corvette for Pakistan, named PNS Babur, is now embarking on its maiden voyage.

“PNS Babur, the first of the PN MILGEM Corvettes being built by ASFAT for brotherly and friendly Pakistan’s Naval Forces, is now sailing on the waters. May you always have fair wind and following seas!” read ASFAT’s tweet.

This announcement marks a crucial step in the ongoing collaboration between Türkiye and Pakistan in the defense and maritime sectors. The PN MILGEM Corvette project showcases both countries’ capabilities in naval technology and strengthens their strategic partnership.

PNS Babur’s launch signifies a new era of maritime capabilities for Pakistan’s Naval Forces, enhancing their operational readiness and maritime security capabilities in the region.

The vessel’s journey reflects the successful outcome of bilateral efforts in defense cooperation and technology transfer between Türkiye and Pakistan.

PN/MILGEM Babur

The third ship (F-282), PNS Khaibar of the PN MILGEM/BABUR class, was laid down in Istanbul on May 1, 2021, and launched in November 2022. After the completion of its tests following the launch, it is planned to be delivered in August 2024. The last ship of the class (F-283), PNS Tariq, was laid down in Karachi on May 5, 2021, and launched at the end of 2022.

The general specifications of the PN MILGEM/BABUR class include a length of 108.2 meters, a width of 14.8 meters, a draft of 4.1 meters, and a displacement of 2985 tons. These ships have 2 MTU 16V 595 TE90 diesel engines and 1 General Electric LM2500 gas turbine engine.

Additionally, they feature electronic systems such as the Aselsan Hizir torpedo mixing and deception system, the ARES-2N electronic warfare system, the SMART-S Mk2 S-Band 3D radar and the Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid main gun.

Besides these specifications, the ships can carry one helicopter. The PN MILGEM/BABUR class ships are also armed with various weapon systems, including six Harbah anti-ship missiles, 16 CAMM-ER air defense missile systems, 1 35mm Gokdeniz CIWS (close-in weapon system) and 2 25mm STOP (stabilized machine gun) systems.

ASFAT

ASFAT Inc. a Turkish state defense industry company, enhances the capabilities and capacities of 27 military factories and three public shipyards previously managed under the leadership of the Ministry of National Defense in Türkiye.

It produces products and solutions covering the innovative global defense market’s design, production, maintenance, sustainment and training areas.

ASFAT Inc. is affiliated with the Ministry of National Defense and operates in the defense sector.