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| 4th corvette of the Babur class (ASFAT picture) PNS TARIQ (283) |
Launch of Pakistan's fourth PN MILGEM Corvette, the PNS TARIQ (283).
The Babur-class corvette PNS TARIQ (283), the fourth corvette of the PN MILGEM project, was ceremonially launched at the Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works in Karachi, Pakistan, on August 2, 2023.
Pakistan Navy press release
The PN MILGEM Class vessels represent the pinnacle of technological advancement in surface platforms for the Pakistan Navy. Equipped with state-of-the-art Command & Control Systems, modern weapons, and sensors, these ships are set to enhance the Navy's capabilities. In 2018, the Ministry of Defence Production, Pakistan, and M/s ASFAT, a Turkish firm, signed a contract for the construction of four MILGEM class ships. Two of these ships are now being constructed in the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, and the other two are being built at KS&EW in Karachi.
During the event, the esteemed Prime Minister of Pakistan praised the cooperative efforts of the Ministry of Defence Production, Ministry of National Defence of Turkey, M/s ASFAT, KS&EW, and Pakistan Navy for their synchronized endeavors, ensuring the success of the project. He also extended congratulations on the ship's successful launch. Highlighting the unique bond between Pakistan and Turkey, the Prime Minister emphasized the deep-rooted historical ties between the two brotherly nations and expressed confidence in the continuity of such defense cooperation in the future.
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| ASFAT photo |
During his address at the ceremony, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz praised the exemplary and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkey. He recognized the potential for further collaboration in Defense Production. Yilmaz commended the outstanding efforts of KS&EW and M/s ASFAT, urging a proactive approach to ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects. Additionally, he strongly condemned recent terrorism incidents in Pakistan and expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the Pakistani people during the earthquake in Turkey.
In his speech, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi emphasized that these ships will greatly bolster Pakistan Navy's combat capabilities and contribute to regional peace and security. He highlighted the PN's commitment to indigenization, expressing satisfaction in witnessing the construction of a state-of-the-art warship within the country.
In his welcome address, Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas, MD KS&EW, emphasized that Karachi Shipyard is fully aware and in complete alignment with the objectives set by the Government of Pakistan for achieving self-reliance in the defense shipbuilding industry.
The ceremony saw the presence of senior government officials from Pakistan and Turkey, along with officers and key representatives from Pakistan Navy, M/s ASFAT, and KS&EW.
About PN MILGEM / Babur-class corvettes
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| PN MILGEM corvette rendering (ASFAT picture) |
The PN MILGEM Program comprises four ships, with two being constructed at Istanbul Shipyard Command and the other two at KS&EW. The primary contractor for the project is ASFAT Inc., owned by the Turkish Ministry of Defence. The program commenced on 11 March 2019, and the ships are scheduled to be delivered at six-month intervals, starting from August 2023. These vessels are designed to carry out various military duties, ranging from air defense to submarine defense.
As of now, the precise configuration of the Pakistan Milgem-class ships remains undisclosed. Nonetheless, in February 2019, Admiral Abbasi highlighted during the Aman Naval Exercise that the ships would be equipped with a 16-Cell VLS positioned behind the main gun. It is anticipated that the Babur-class corvettes will be equipped with MBDA's Albatros NG air defense system and Harbah Anti-ship and land attack missiles.
One LM2500 gas turbine in a combined diesel and gas turbine arrangement, coupled with two diesel engines, makes up the propulsion system used on all MILGEM ships. This design produces a combined propulsion power of 31,600 kilowatts.
Turkey's Ada-class corvettes are versatile and capable of performing a wide array of missions, which encompass reconnaissance, surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, as well as surface-to-surface and surface-to-air warfare operations.
Key data:
- Displacement: 2,926 tonnes
- Length: 108.2 m
- Beam: 14.8 m
- Draft: 4.05 m
- Propulsion: CODAG
- Max speed: 31 knots
- Range: 3500 nautical miles
- Endurance: 15 days at sea
- Crew: 93+40
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