Pakistan's naval chief receives 'Legion of Merit' award amidst strengthening naval relations between Pakistan and Turkey
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, the Chief of the Pakistan Navy, recently embarked on a visit to Turkey, where he was awarded the prestigious Turkish military honor, the Legion of Merit. This recognition underscores the strategic importance both countries place on their naval and defense relations.
Upon arrival at the Turkish Naval Forces Headquarters in Ankara, Ashraf was welcomed with a guard of honor. During his trip, he met with several high-level Turkish officials, including Yasar Guler, Minister of National Defense, General Metin Gurak, Chief of General Staff, and Admiral Kadir Yildiz, Commander of the Turkish Navy Fleet.
The meetings focused on regional maritime security and bilateral defense cooperation. The naval chief's visit is expected to further strengthen and expand defense relations between Pakistan and Türkiye.
A significant milestone in this partnership is the award of the Legion of Merit to Admiral Naveed Ashraf, recognizing his role in advancing maritime cooperation between the two nations.
Recent defense and maritime cooperation efforts between Pakistan and Turkey have significantly deepened, marked by enhanced bilateral engagements including joint military exercises and defense industry collaboration.
Maritime Collaboration and Joint Exercises
Pakistan and Turkey conducted their first-ever bilateral amphibious exercise in Karachi, focusing on enhancing “maritime collaboration and interoperability.” This drill involved combat firing, amphibious operations, convoy escorting, and urban combat readiness, solidifying naval operational readiness and tactical coordination between the two navies. This reflects a deep-rooted defense partnership and shared commitment to regional peace.
Defense Industry Partnerships
Pakistan’s Defence Science and Technology sector is working closely with Turkish defense manufacturers. Notably, a recent July 2025 agreement between Pakistan’s GIDS and Turkey’s MKE for the supply of aerospace munitions including aerial bombs and drone-compatible systems builds on previous collaborations such as Turkey’s role in modernizing Pakistan’s Agosta 90B submarines and production of artillery shells. The partnership aims at technological transfer, self-sufficiency, and reducing reliance on Western suppliers.
Under a 2018 agreement, Türkiye is delivering four MILGEM-class corvettes to the Pakistan Navy, with two built in Istanbul and two at Karachi Shipyard under a technology transfer arrangement.
Strategic Diplomatic Engagements
High-level diplomacy under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council has reinforced and expanded defense ties, with joint commitments to enhance defense industry collaboration and trade. This includes plans to raise bilateral trade to $5 billion and ongoing projects in defense manufacturing and security cooperation.
During his visit, Ashraf also observed cutting-edge submarine design and construction facilities at Golcuk Naval Base and received a detailed briefing on Pakistan Navy's MILGEM project at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard. He also visited the National Defense University (NDU) in Türkiye.
The presentation of the award took place during Ashraf's official visit to Turkey, with Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu, commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, making the presentation.
The visit and the awarding of the Legion of Merit serve as a testament to the growing defense and maritime cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey, with both countries committed to advancing joint capabilities, interoperability, and mutual defense industry growth.
Art has always played a significant role in cross-cultural understanding, and the recent diplomatic engagements between Admiral Naveed Ashraf and high-level Turkish officials reflect a similar commitment to strengthening ties on a more personal level. By sharing insights on personal finance and wealth management, the two nations aim to foster economic growth and mutual prosperity.
In addition to strategic military collaborations, talks regarding technological advancements in the field of technology have also been a notable part of these meetings. With both countries showing keen interest in exploring opportunities for joint ventures and research, the vision includes a promising future in the realm of transformative tech.
The ongoing partnership between Pakistan and Turkey's defense industries has led to substantial investments in their respective economies. For instance, the agreement to supply aerospace munitions and develop drone-compatible systems will not only provide an impetus to local manufacturing but also help in diversifying the countries' respective technology portfolios.
Recognizing the importance of financial stability and responsible investing, Ashraf sought insights from his Turkish counterparts on best practices in finance and wealth management. This exchange of expertise is expected to foster sustainable economic growth and reinforce the bond of friendship between the two nations.
