The newly commissioned Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Khaibar engaged in a bilateral naval exercise with the Turkish Navy during its inaugural voyage from Turkey to Pakistan, as reported by the military’s media wing on Friday.
As stated by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), PNS Khaibar made a stop at Aksaz Naval Base in Turkey and participated in the Pakistan Navy-Turkish Navy bilateral Exercise TURGUTREIS-XIII.
During the port visit, the Commanding Officer of PNS Khaibar met with the Turkish Southern Sea Area Commander to discuss topics of mutual interest, which included the enhancement of bilateral naval cooperation and the stability of regional maritime activities.
High-ranking officials from the Turkish Naval Forces, including the Southern Sea Area Commander and the Commander of Aksaz Naval Base, also paid a visit to the Pakistani warship.
The training involved various naval maneuvers designed to enhance interoperability and practice joint maritime operations.
After the drill concluded, PNS Khaibar and TCG Heybeliada executed a synchronized patrol (CORPAT) in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
The effective execution of the exercise and the coordinated patrol demonstrates the enduring strategic partnership and robust defense collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey, according to ISPR.
Pakistan Turkey naval operations
The commissioning ceremony for the 2nd Pakistan Navy MILGEM class ship, PNS Kahibar, took place at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard in Turkey in December 2025.
During the event, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf expressed gratitude towards Turkey’s Ministry of National Defence (ASFAT), the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, and the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) involved in the planning, design, and construction of the PN MILGEM ships.
Furthermore, the Naval Chief commended the strengthening defence partnership between Pakistan and Turkey.
He emphasized that the bilateral interactions between the Pakistan Navy and the Turkish Naval Forces significantly enhance the defense collaboration between the two nations and exemplify our lasting and deepening partnership.
