Construction starts on Pakistan Navy’s final Milgem corvette

Pakistan has begun construction on the fourth and final Milgem-class corvette ordered by the Pakistan Navy.

A steel-cutting ceremony for the newbuild took place at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW) on 15 June 2021.

Back in 2018, the Pakistan Navy signed a contract for four Milgem-class corvettes with ASFAT Inc, a Turkish state-owned defence contractor, including the transfer of technology (TOT) deal.

Under the agreement, two corvettes are to be built at Istanbul Naval Shipyard while another two at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW).

These corvettes are fitted with surface, sub-surface and anti-air weapons & sensors, integrated through an advanced network-centric combat management system.

The corvettes for Pakistan are based on the Ada-class corvettes built for the Turkish Navy under the Milgem project which includes the construction of both corvettes and frigates.

They feature a length of 99 metres, a displacement of 2,400 tonnes and can reach a speed of 29 nautical miles.

The induction of Milgem corvettes is expected to significantly enhance maritime defence and deterrence capabilities of the Pakistan Navy. These corvettes will become a core element of PN’s kinetic response to traditional and non-traditional challenges, enabling the navy to maintain the balance of power in the Indian Ocean Region.