Turkish Warship Docks In Karachi For 'Goodwill Visit' Amid Rising Indo-Pak Tensions – All About It

Turkish naval ship TCG BÜYÜKADA has arrived at Karachi Port on a goodwill visit. The vessel was accorded a welcome by officials from both the Turkish and Pakistan navies, according to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday.

During its stay, the crew of TCG BÜYÜKADA will participate in a range of professional engagements with personnel from the Pakistan Navy. The ISPR noted that the visit aims to “enhance mutual understanding and strengthen maritime cooperation between the two navies.”

Describing the port call as a testament to the growing naval collaboration between Türkiye and Pakistan, the ISPR stated, “The goodwill visit of TCG BÜYÜKADA stands as a testament to the ever-strengthening maritime collaboration between Pakistan and Türkiye. It reflects the deep-rooted mutual trust and strategic partnership between the two brotherly nations, anchored in centuries-old historical and cultural ties.”

The visit comes at a time when relations between India and Pakistan have sharply deteriorated, following the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. In the aftermath, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that Pakistan would target any structure built on the Indus River in “violation of the Indus Waters Treaty”, which India has reportedly put in abeyance.

Further escalating tensions, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, warned of a potential nuclear response if the country is attacked or if its vital water flow is disrupted. In an interview with Russia’s state-run TASS news agency on Sunday, Jamali said, “We in Pakistan will use the full spectrum of force, both conventional and nuclear.” He added, “Any attempt to usurp the water of the lower riparian, or to stop it, or to divert it would be an act of war against Pakistan and would be responded to with full force, including nuclear.”

About TCG BÜYÜKADA

TCG BÜYÜKADA is an Ada-class anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvette operated by the Turkish Navy. Commissioned in 2013, it forms part of Türkiye’s MİLGEM (National Ship) programme. The vessel is designed for surface warfare, ASW operations, and patrol missions. It is equipped with advanced radar systems, a 76 mm naval gun, anti-ship missiles, torpedo launchers, and a helicopter landing pad.

The corvette measures 99.5 metres in length, has a displacement of 2,400 tonnes, and can attain speeds of up to 29 knots. Its operational capability includes extended-range missions in open sea conditions.

India’s Naval Capabilities in Comparison

India possesses several warships capable of countering TCG BÜYÜKADA, including:

  • Kamorta-class corvette: At 109 metres in length and 3,300 tonnes displacement, this ASW corvette is equipped with an OTO Melara 76 mm Super Rapid Gun, L&T RBU-6000 ASW rocket launchers, and Varunastra torpedoes. Built with 90% indigenous technology, it is deployed for coastal surveillance and anti-piracy operations. It has a top speed of 25 knots.

  • Shivalik-class frigate: A multi-role warship measuring 144 metres and displacing 6,200 tonnes. Capable of speeds up to 32 knots, it is armed with BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missiles, Shtil-1 anti-aircraft missiles, and RBU-6000 ASW rocket launchers.

  • Kolkata-class destroyer: At 163 metres in length with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes, this vessel can reach speeds of 30 knots. It features Barak 8 air defence missiles, BrahMos anti-ship missiles, and advanced radar systems. It is significantly larger and more powerful than TCG BÜYÜKADA.

  • Delhi-class destroyer: These 6,700-tonne destroyers can attain speeds of 28 knots and are equipped with Kh-35 Uran anti-ship missiles, Shtil-1 air defence missiles, torpedoes, and RBU-6000 rocket launchers. They are designed for both ASW and surface warfare operations.

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