A Turkish naval warship, TCG BÜYÜKADA, arrived at Karachi port on Sunday, just days after a Turkish Air Force C-130 aircraft landed in the city. The Turkish vessel is expected to remain docked in Karachi until May 7. Its arrival follows a meeting between Turkish Ambassador Dr. Irfan Neziroglu and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which the ambassador reaffirmed Turkey’s solidarity with Pakistan.
However, the visit has drawn attention in regional media due to the timing—shortly after renewed India-Pakistan tensions and a Turkish military aircraft’s landing in Karachi.
What is TCG BÜYÜKADA?
TCG BÜYÜKADA is the second ship in the Ada-class series of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvettes operated by the Turkish Navy. It was commissioned in 2013 as part of Turkey’s MİLGEM national warship programme. These vessels are designed for surface warfare, anti-submarine operations, and patrol missions.
The ship is equipped with advanced radar systems, a 76 mm naval gun, anti-ship missiles, and torpedo launchers. It also features a helicopter landing pad and hangar to support maritime aviation operations. The corvette can operate in open seas and has a range suited for extended regional missions.
In 2022, Pakistan signed a deal with Turkey for the co-production of four MİLGEM-class corvettes. Under the agreement, two ships are to be constructed in Istanbul and the other two at Karachi Shipyard. Construction of the lead ship, PNS Babur, has been completed.
Before reaching Karachi, TCG BÜYÜKADA visited Oman and Malaysia as part of its regional deployment. Turkish officials have maintained that the deployment is routine and part of broader maritime outreach.
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Why is the Turkish Corvette in Karachi?
The Pakistan Navy has stated that the purpose of the port call is to strengthen maritime cooperation between the two nations. According to the official version, the visit aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two navies. Turkish authorities have also described the visit as a goodwill gesture.However, the visit has drawn attention in regional media due to the timing—shortly after renewed India-Pakistan tensions and a Turkish military aircraft’s landing in Karachi.
What is TCG BÜYÜKADA?
TCG BÜYÜKADA is the second ship in the Ada-class series of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvettes operated by the Turkish Navy. It was commissioned in 2013 as part of Turkey’s MİLGEM national warship programme. These vessels are designed for surface warfare, anti-submarine operations, and patrol missions.The ship is equipped with advanced radar systems, a 76 mm naval gun, anti-ship missiles, and torpedo launchers. It also features a helicopter landing pad and hangar to support maritime aviation operations. The corvette can operate in open seas and has a range suited for extended regional missions.
Defence ties between Turkey and Pakistan
Turkey and Pakistan have a history of military collaboration. The two countries recently held a joint exercise named Ataturk-XIII, which involved special forces from both sides conducting joint drills focused on interoperability.In 2022, Pakistan signed a deal with Turkey for the co-production of four MİLGEM-class corvettes. Under the agreement, two ships are to be constructed in Istanbul and the other two at Karachi Shipyard. Construction of the lead ship, PNS Babur, has been completed.
Before reaching Karachi, TCG BÜYÜKADA visited Oman and Malaysia as part of its regional deployment. Turkish officials have maintained that the deployment is routine and part of broader maritime outreach.
