Anoshka Johum
Strategically located at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Pakistan holds significant geostrategic importance, particularly in the context of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Its vast coastline along the Arabian Sea provides Pakistan with a unique vantage point to monitor and influence maritime trade routes in the IOR, thus accentuating Pakistan’s maritime security which is crucial for protecting its sea borders, offshore assets, and maritime trade routes.
In the prevailing context of a shifting geopolitical landscape, with political power transitioning from the West to the East and emerging challenges in the Indian Ocean such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing activities, modernization of Pakistan’s naval assets have become crucial.
There is no denying the fact that modernized naval assets having advanced technologies, superior firepower, operational reach, effective defense, and deterrence capability act as a force multiplier, support the economic interests of a country, and also enhance its economic and political influence in the region. It allows a nation to foster stronger relationships with other nations, facilitate military-to-military cooperation, and promote diplomatic objectives. The modernization of naval assets translates into strength for a nation by equipping its navy with cutting-edge technology, firepower, operational reach, and capabilities. A strong navy enhances deterrence, protects maritime interests, supports national defense strategies, and contributes to a nation’s overall geopolitical influence and security.
Keeping in view, Pakistan diligently continues to upgrade its weaponry and consistently modernizes its arsenal to stay prepared and equipped for any potential threats. Surprisingly, despite a financial crisis and political turmoil, Pakistan has continued to improve its naval fleet. This is evident from the fact that it is ambitious to attain new warfare assets and operate in the blue waters. Pakistan has been proactively procuring technologically advanced naval vessels from various countries such as Turkiye and China.
On September 6, 2018, Pakistan and Turkey signed a contract for the construction of four Milgem-class corvettes based on the design of Turkish Ada-class ships, amounting to €1128.50 M. As part of this project, two of the corvettes are to be built at Istanbul Naval Shipyard (INSY) in Turkiye, while the other are to be constructed at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS & EW) in Karachi, Pakistan. Under the deal, Turkiye will deliver four ships to Pakistan by February 2025. The project also includes the Transfer of Technology and up-gradation of Karachi Shipyard.
The first ship PNS BABUR was launched in Istanbul, Turkiye on 15 Aug 21. The second ship PNS BADR was launched at KS & EW Karachi on 20 May 22. The third ship PNS KHAIBAR after completing Hull Construction at Istanbul, Turkiye was launched on 25 Nov 22. Presently, all the ships are under various phases of completion. Launching ceremony of fourth PN MILGEM PNS TARIQ (Desig) was held at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW). Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Vice President of the Republic of Turkiye H.E Mr. Cevdet Yilmaz also attended the ceremony as Guest of Honour.
PN MILGEM ships are fitted with state-of-the-art weaponry and advanced sensor systems, comprising surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine weapons, and highly sophisticated command and control systems. With these capabilities, the MILGEM-class corvettes will make a substantial enhancement to the Pakistan Navy’s operational capabilities.
Pakistan’s continued induction of higher-tonnage surface vessels reflects its ambition to enhance power projection in the region. The modernization of the Pakistan Navy has become an integral component of a comprehensive national security strategy and has already enhanced the defense capability of Pakistan manifolds. The addition of these advanced Turkish-made state-of-the-art MILGEM-class corvettes will be a huge boost to Pakistan’s defense and will further augment Pakistan Navy’s capability to operate in distant waters. An upgraded naval force will allow Pakistan to assert its presence in the region to safeguard its national interests in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.
In this increasingly interconnected and maritime-oriented world, a strong navy with an advanced naval fleet equipped with technologically advanced weapons will not only ensure Pakistan’s security but the continued push for modernization and renewed strategic cooperation with China and Turkiye could change the status quo by transforming Pakistan into a genuine regional naval power.
