ARMAMENTS

The first Turkish-made Babur-class MILGEM corvettes, the construction of which was completed in the shipyards of Istanbul, have been delivered to Pakistan. 

The handover ceremony was attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Pakistani counterpart Arif Alvi. The agreement was signed in 2018 and after the delivery of the first corvette, the rest are expected to be delivered by 2025, while the Turkish president spoke about further deepening the defence relations between the two countries. Pakistan’s agreement with the Turkish state-owned defence equipment company AFSAT provided for the commissioning of four multi-role corvettes, two of which will be built in Turkey and two in Pakistan. 

Main features

• Displacement: 2400 tons
• Length: 99 m
• Speed: 15-30 knots
• Crew: 93

The corvette’s armament includes 76mm gun, Stamp 12.7 mm guns, Atmaca and RAM Block missiles and two 324 mm triple launchers for Mk.46 torpedoes. 

At the same time, Turkmenistan received the first Turkmen-class corvette named Deniz Han. The handover ceremony was attended by the President of Turkmenistan Kurbankulu Berdimuhammedov. 

Main features

• Displacement: 1600 tons
• Length: 92 m
• Maximum speed: 26 knots
• Crew: 100

The corvette’s armament includes Otomat Mk2 missiles, a Leonardo 76 mm naval gun and a Roketsan Gokdeniz Close-in Weapon System. The vessel also features 16 VL MICA short-range anti-aircraft missile launchers, torpedo launchers and ASW rocket launchers.

Turkey continues to upgrade its defence industry and reduce its reliance on importing weapon systems and military technology. At the same time, through agreements with countries such as Pakistan and Turkmenistan, in which it is increasing its influence, it is using its defence industry to secure economic, military and political benefits.

Also read: Launching of Turkish “I”class frigate- Photos & VIDEO

Source: Navalnews

Cover photo: Dailysabah