Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar spoke at the launching ceremony of Badr, the third ship of the Pakistan MİLGEM Project, at the Karachi Shipyard, attended by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shahbaz Sharif. Pakistani Defense Production Minister Mohammed Israr Tareen and Naval Forces Commander Admiral Amjad Khan Niyazi also attended the ceremony.
Minister Akar, who started his speech at the ceremony by expressing his pleasure in visiting friendly and brotherly Pakistan once again, said, "Today, we have come to another important stage of the MİLGEM corvette project for the Pakistan Armed Forces." he said.
Minister Akar, who shared his thoughts that the ships within the scope of the project will play vital roles in the defense of Pakistan, will be beneficial to the Pakistani Armed Forces, and contribute to peace and stability in the region and the world, said, "I am glad to attend the laying ceremony of the MİLGEM corvette PNS Badr, which was held at Karachi Shipyard on October 25, 2020. I'm honored. Now, it is my pleasure to attend the launching ceremony of this ship.” made a statement.
Emphasizing the features of the corvettes, Minister Akar said, “MİLGEM Class Corvettes will be one of the most technologically advanced surface platforms of the Pakistan Navy. Equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and modern sensors, including surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine weapons, advanced command and control system, these ships will make a significant contribution to the capabilities of the Pakistan Navy. used the expressions.
Reminding that the first ship of its class, PNS Babur, built in Turkey for the Pakistan Navy, was launched on 15 August 2021 at the Istanbul Shipyard Command with a ceremony attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President of Pakistan, Arif Alvi. He stated that in 2023, PNS Badr, the second ship of its class, is planned to be put into service in 2024.
Stating that the PNS Khaibar, which will be launched in Istanbul this year, will be delivered to the Pakistani Navy in 2024, Minister Akar said that the fourth ship to be built in Karachi will be put into service in 2025.
Drawing attention to the importance of time in the realization of these projects, Minister Akar said:
“The timely execution of such a large project, in accordance with the principles of 'lowest cost', 'highest quality' and 'shortest time', despite the negative effects of the global coronavirus epidemic; It is also important in terms of showing our joint project management capability, business discipline and determination. We all know very well that the importance of technological independence is increasing day by day. Thanks to this independence, we can truly meet our national defense and security needs and fulfill our international responsibilities. Turkey has taken important steps in the defense industry. The share of domestic production has now exceeded 80 percent. Most of the weapons and equipment produced with domestic and national means have proven themselves in combat conditions. Turkish defense industry companies are now among the largest international defense companies. In the defense industry, we need to rise above the level we are currently leading and producing. In this context, MİLGEM projects are developing rapidly and all these constitute a sign of technological independence.”
PAKISTAN IS OUR SECOND HOME
Stating that the construction and assembly of ships in this project was carried out with the participation of local institutions, organizations and companies, Minister Akar said, "I believe that we will continue to increase the number of such projects, which are of critical importance in terms of both the security and technological independence of our countries." said.
Emphasizing that Pakistan has always had a special place in the hearts of the Turkish people, Minister Akar said:
“Pakistan is our second home. With the strength we derive from the ties of brotherhood between our countries, we will continue our efforts to move our relations to higher levels. The relationship between Turkey and Pakistan has a unique structure unlike normal relations between other countries. Thanks to the historical, deep-rooted friendship and brotherhood that exists between Turkey and Pakistan, we continue to act in close cooperation in every field. We will never forget the support given by our Pakistani brothers in our National Struggle. We will always be together in joy as in times of sorrow.”
TURKEY-PAKISTAN FRIENDLY ZINDABAD
Stating that the region is going through a difficult period and that it is surrounded by more than one crisis area, Minister Akar said, "In such a sensitive period, there is a great responsibility placed on our shoulders by our history and civilization." he said.
He said that Turkey, which is experiencing the most intense period in its history in terms of the operations it has carried out, continues to stand by its friends and allies as much as possible. Minister Akar said, “Everything we witness today shows that it is essential for our countries to have a strong defense industry and effective and deterrent armed forces. With this spirit and under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has taken important steps in almost every field, especially in the defense industry. We are ready to share our experience and defense industry products with our friends and partners.” he said.
Congratulating all members of Pakistan's Ministry of Defense Production and ASFAT, Karachi Shipyard employees and everyone who contributed to the implementation of the project, Minister Akar said, "I hope these ships will further strengthen the ties of friendship and brotherhood with the cooperation between the two countries." said.
For Pakistan's navy, "Let your seas be calm and your bow clear." Minister Akar, using the expression "Turkey-Pakistan friendly zindabad," which means "Long live the brotherhood of Turkey-Pakistan". said. Minister Akar said, "One nation with one heart, two countries (one nation, two states)." he finished.
After the prayer, the ceremony ended with the launching of Badr, the third ship of the Pakistan MİLGEM Project.
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