Türkiye has taken simultaneous steps to strengthen its naval power at both national and international levels, commissioning a new submarine for its own navy while advancing a major export program for Pakistan.
The Turkish Navy formally inducted the TCG Hızırreis submarine into its inventory, a move expected to enhance deterrence across the Blue Homeland doctrine. At the same time, the delivery of PNS Babur, one of four MİLGEM-class corvettes built for the Pakistan Navy, underscored Turkey’s growing role as a defense exporter and strategic partner.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made the remarks during the “Ceremony for the Commissioning of Naval Platforms, Flag Raising, and First Steel Cutting,” held at the Istanbul Shipyard Command. Erdoğan welcomed Pakistani officials attending the event and thanked military and civilian personnel serving across Turkey’s maritime zones.
Calling the occasion a historic milestone for Turkish shipbuilding and naval power, Erdoğan congratulated engineers, workers, and naval staff involved in the projects.
MİLGEM Program for Pakistan
Erdoğan recalled that a contract signed in 2018 covers the construction of four MİLGEM-class corvettes for Pakistan. He confirmed that PNS Babur was delivered on May 24, 2024, while PNS Khaibar, having completed all sea trials, was delivered during the ceremony.
According to Erdoğan, the third vessel, PNS Bedir, is scheduled for delivery by the end of June 2026, while the fourth ship, PNS Tarık, is expected to follow in the first quarter of 2027.
New Platforms Enter Turkish Navy
Erdoğan also announced the commissioning of the TCG Hızırreis, highlighting its air-independent propulsion system and advanced sensor suite. He said the submarine would significantly boost undersea warfare and deterrence capabilities.
Additional platforms introduced at the ceremony included the Ç-159 landing ship and the ULAQ Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle, which Erdoğan noted features a marine engine with 90 percent domestic content.
Expansion Plans and Export Targets
Looking ahead, Erdoğan said the TCG Koçhisar patrol ship is expected to enter service by the end of May, while the steel cutting ceremony for the Seferihisar offshore patrol ship was held during the event.
Emphasizing that Turkey is building not only platforms but also human capital and a broader defense technology ecosystem, Erdoğan said the country ranks 11th globally in defense exports. He added that defense and aviation exports reached $7.445 billion in the past 11 months, with a target of entering the global top 10 by 2028 with $11 billion in exports.
Erdoğan also confirmed that construction has begun on a 300-meter-long national aircraft carrier, which will be larger than and complement TCG Anadolu.
TF-2000 Program
Speaking at the ceremony, Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Navy, said that 39 military vessels are currently under construction in Turkish shipyards. He announced that the TF-2000 air defense destroyer program will proceed under the class name Tepe Class Destroyer, alongside the national aircraft carrier project.
The ceremony concluded with the steel cutting for the Seferihisar ship, the handover of the command symbol to PNS Khaibar, and oath-taking by the ship’s commanders.
