Sea acceptance trials have begun for the first of two corvettes being built at Pakistan’s Karachi Shipyard under the Pakistan MİLGEM Project, led by ASFAT (Military Factory and Shipyard Management Inc.), operating under Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence.
According to the ministry’s statement, the sea acceptance phase for the BADR corvette started in Karachi on 19 January, marking a key milestone in the programme as ASFAT moves towards final delivery preparation for Pakistan’s third MİLGEM-class ship.
On the same day, two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) constructed at Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command under ASFAT’s prime contracting role — AKHİSAR and KOÇHİSAR — also conducted test voyages in the Sea of Marmara.
The ministry’s choice of language drew attention, as it referred to AKHİSAR and KOÇHİSAR as “our ships”. AKHİSAR remains in the Turkish Naval Forces inventory pending its planned handover to Romania in June, meaning it is formally still an active naval asset. KOÇHİSAR, meanwhile, entered inventory following a ceremony held in early 2026.
The statement suggests test activity for both OPVs is ongoing, indicating continued trials ahead of full operational readiness and planned transfers.
Author: Özgür Ekşi
