Pakistan Navy’s PNS Khaibar Demonstrates Unmatched Accuracy in Live-Fire Drills
The Pakistan Navy’s PNS Khaibar corvette, developed under the PN MILGEM Project with Türkiye, has successfully completed its live-firing tests, hitting 12 targets with pinpoint precision. The achievement highlights the vessel’s technological maturity, operational reliability, and combat readiness.
PNS Khaibar Achieves Direct Hits on Land, Air, and Sea Targets
During the tests conducted at an undisclosed location, PNS Khaibar executed live-fire operations against surface, land, and air targets, achieving direct hits with full accuracy.
The corvette’s 76-millimeter main gun successfully struck land-based targets dead center, while the STOP 25-millimeter remote-controlled stabilized gun system delivered consistent accuracy during secondary firing rounds.
ASFAT stated: “The live firing tests of PNS Khaibar, the second Corvette of Pakistan MILGEM Project, have been successfully completed.”
Technological Breakthrough in Pakistan-Türkiye Defense Collaboration
The PNS Khaibar marks the second vessel built under the Pakistan-Türkiye MILGEM collaboration, symbolizing a growing defense partnership between the two nations.
The successful tests validate the integration of Turkish combat systems with Pakistani naval requirements, demonstrating seamless compatibility and efficiency in real-world operations.
PN MILGEM Project: A Bilateral Success Story
The PN MILGEM Project, initiated in 2020, aims to construct four advanced MILGEM-class corvettes for the Pakistan Navy.
- Two vessels are being built at Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command (Türkiye).
- Two more are under construction at Karachi KSEW Shipyard (Pakistan).
ASFAT serves as the prime contractor, with Havelsan providing the ADVENT Combat Management System and FLEETSTAR Ship Data Distribution System for integration.
PNS Babur: The First Corvette to Join the Fleet
The first ship, PNS Babur, completed its firing tests in April 2024 and was commissioned into the Pakistan Navy the following month.
Following the same pattern, PNS Khaibar will undergo operational exercises with the Turkish Navy before being transferred to Karachi for official induction.
Advanced Weaponry and Combat Systems on PNS Khaibar
The PNS Khaibar is equipped with:
- A 76mm main gun for long-range precision targeting.
- A STOP 25mm remote-controlled stabilized gun system for close-range defense.
- Advanced combat management and data distribution systems from Türkiye, fully adapted for Pakistan Navy operations.
These capabilities enable the vessel to perform multi-domain warfare, including anti-surface, anti-air, and land bombardment missions.
Remaining MILGEM Corvettes Under Construction
The third corvette, PNS Badr, is in the final stages of preparation at Karachi KSEW Shipyard, with sea trials scheduled for December 2026.
The fourth and final ship, PNS Tariq, is currently under construction, with testing expected by the end of 2026.
Strengthening Pakistan’s Maritime Defense
The success of PNS Khaibar’s live-firing trials reaffirms the Pakistan Navy’s modernization efforts and strategic defense collaboration with Türkiye.
With cutting-edge technology and precision engineering, these MILGEM-class vessels are set to enhance Pakistan’s naval deterrence and operational readiness in regional waters.
