PNS KHAIBAR, Turkish Navy showcase unmatched maritime ties in Eastern Mediterranean

2026-02-13 - 16:26

ISLAMABAD – The newly commissioned PNS KHAIBAR has embarked on its maiden voyage from Türkiye to Pakistan, leaving a trail of naval collaboration in its wake. The cutting-edge warship made a high-profile port call at Aksaz Naval Base, where it actively participated in the prestigious Exercise TURGUTREIS-XIII and engaged in joint patrols with elite units of the Turkish Navy. https://pakobserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WhatsApp-Video-2026-02-13-at-7.50.45-PM.mp4 During the visit, Commanding Officer of PNS KHAIBAR held a high-level meeting with Vice Admiral Rafet Oktar, Commander of Türkiye’s Southern Sea Area, discussing ways to boost naval cooperation and ensure stability across regional waters. In a show of camaraderie and mutual respect, Vice Admiral Oktar, accompanied by Rear Admiral Hamdi Abanoz, Commander of Aksaz Naval Base, and other senior Turkish officers, returned the visit aboard PNS KHAIBAR. Amid diplomatic engagements, PNS KHAIBAR and the Turkish Navy ship TCG HEYBELIADA, along with a Turkish Naval Forces SH-70 helicopter, executed the highly anticipated PN–TN Exercise TURGUTREIS-XIII. The drills featured an extensive array of maritime evolutions designed to sharpen joint operational capabilities and reinforce interoperability between the two navies. Capping off the exercise, PNS KHAIBAR and TCG HEYBELIADA embarked on a coordinated patrol (CORPAT) in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, demonstrating a formidable display of naval coordination. The successful completion of Exercise TURGUTREIS-XIII and the ensuing CORPAT underscores the unwavering strategic partnership and deep fraternal bonds shared between Pakistan and Türkiye, signaling a new chapter of maritime cooperation and regional security in one of the world’s most vital seas. Pakistan, Indonesia forge New Era of Air Power ties with Air Chief Sidhu’s Visit