Pakistan finalizing deals of T129 Helicopter and MILGEM corvettes with Turkey.
Pakistan’s Minister of Defence Production (MoDP) Rana Tanveer Hussain paid an official two-day visit (24-26 November) to Turkey in a bid to review ongoing bilateral defence programs. The MoDP had met with Turkey’s Minister of National Defence Nurettin Canikli.
On November 25, the MoDP informed that Pakistan’s potential purchase of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T129 ATAK attack helicopters and four STM MILGEM (ADA Class corvettes) naval vessels were major subjects of discussion on his current visit.
Regarding the ATAK, Hussain said, “It is in the pipeline … [the process is] 90 percent complete,” and that the matter proceeded to financial proposals, which are being examined by Pakistan.
As for the MILGEM, the MoDP said, “The process is completed and construction of the ship will start in the near future,” adding, “Technical and financial proposal was going to be open (sic) in Pakistan on Monday.” Two of the four ships will be constructed at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW).
PAC also offered the JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter to Turkey. Hussain states that Turkey is “considering this aircraft [JF-17], because they know in detail about this aircraft.” PAC produces the JF-17 in partnership with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China.