Pakistan Navy has signed an agreement with Turkey for building 4 Milgem-class Warships (Block I), along with technology transfer for the same.
These ships will feature stealth capabilities and local missile delivery system.
A simple ceremony was held at Ministry of Defense Production, Islamabad with senior officials of Pakistan Navy and representatives of a Turkish company present at the event. The Turkish team gave a detailed presentation about the project and capabilities of Milgem-class Warships (Block-I).
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As per the the technology transfer agreement, the first two ships will be built at Istanbul Navy Shipyard and delivered to Pakistan. Rest of the ships will be built at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering works (KS&EW). The missile system will be installed on all 4 warships in Pakistan.
Various missile delivery systems have been developed by Pakistan Navy. These include surface to surface, surface to air and surface to underwater systems for hitting all types of enemy platforms.
A Pakistan Navy spokesperson told ProPakistani that inducting these new type of warships with technology transfer will increase the organization’s defensive capabilities in Indian Ocean as well as the Arabian Sea.
About the Milgem Block I Program
The Milgem Block-I project is Turkey’s national warship program. Â Its purpose is to build a modern combat ship with indigenous anti-submarine warfare and high-seas patrol capabilities, using the principles of stealth technology in its design.
Milgem warships possess a high amount of endurance. These warships are designed to sail for 10 days autonomously, and 21 days with logistical support in high seas.
The Milgem warship can accommodate 106 passengers, including the aviation officers. The ships can also carry one medium helicopter (S-70 Seahawk), which can be accommodated in a hangar.
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One Milgem (Block I) warship costs as much as US$260 million in the international market. A warship in this class has a displacement of approximately 2,300 tons at full load, a length of 99.5 m, a beam of 14.4 m, a maximum speed of +29 knots and a range of 3,500n.m. with the cruising speed of 15 knots.
Navy and Air power are the two most expansive to upgrade and are the most required assets to be upgraded. Pakistan should focus on force multipliers, sensors technology and rapid reaction elements. AIR and NAVY should be a priority in the defense budget.