By Goksel Yildirim
ANKARA (AA) – Turkish defense contractor STM and ASFAT have inked a deal with Pakistan for its national warship program MILGEM.
The two companies signed an agreement for the supply of the multipurpose corvettes and frigates, according to a statement by STM.
With this latest technology, the Pakistan Navy will strengthen its fleet.
The construction of the ships will be carried out at the Istanbul Shipyard Command and Karachi Shipyard.
In July 2018, Pakistan Navy signed a contract for the acquisition of four MILGEM-class ships with ASFAT.
According to the plan, two corvettes will be built in Turkey and the next two will be built in Pakistan which also involves technology transfer.
In October 2019, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan along with Pakistan Navy chief Adm. Zafar Mahmood Abbasi had cut the first metal plate of the first MILGEM Ada class corvette during a ceremony in Istanbul.
Turkey is one of the 10 countries in the world which can build, design, and maintain warships using its national capabilities.
* Written and contributions by Aysu Bicer
