The Pakistan Navy has inducted the second Babur-class (MILGEM) corvette PNS KHAIBAR in Karachi.
The vessel was inducted during a ceremony attended by Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and other senior officials. Addressing the gathering, CNS highlighted that Pakistan’s strategic location along vital maritime trade and energy corridors demands a potent naval force to safeguard national interests and ensure secure Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs).
Addressing the induction ceremony of 2nd PN MILGEM Class Corvette PNS KHAIBAR held at Karachi, CNS Adm Naveed Ashraf emphasized a strong, balanced and technologically advanced Navy to safeguard SLOCs and maritime interests. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/QRMKn1J987
Naval Chief emphasized that the Pakistan Navy is being equipped with modern platforms and niche technologies, enabling it to target critical infrastructure/vulnerabilities and the adversary’s naval assets. Inductions of advanced platforms like PNS KHAIBAR and the forthcoming Hangor-class submarines mark a milestone in PN’s modernization.
To remind, the first vessel of this class, PN Babur (F-280), was delivered in 2023.
The contract for four Milgem-class corvettes for the Pakistan Navy was signed in 2018. Under the contract, two ships were to be constructed by Asfat, and the other two at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.