Pakistan Navy has inducted the PNS Tippu Sultan (FFG-263) and PNS Shah Jahan (FFG-264) into its surface fleet in an official ceremony held at Karachi Dockyard. The ceremony was attended by Pakistan’s federal minister for defense, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, and other senior naval officers.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest, Khawaja Muhammad Asif acknowledged the Pakistan Navy’s efforts in ensuring the seaward defense of Pakistan and its contribution towards promoting peace and stability in the region. The Federal Minister emphasized the geo-strategic and geo-economic significance that necessitates a potent Naval Force to safeguard the maritime frontiers of the country and induction of these modern naval ships will significantly strengthen the defense capabilities of Pakistan.
Pakistan Navy is undergoing a major modernization and expansion program and these inductions are vital part of that program. Pakistan signed an agreement with China in 2017 for the procurement of two Type-54A/P frigates with another agreement signed in 2018 for the purchase of two more Type-54A/P guide missile frigates.
Today’s induction ceremony marks the competition of Pakistan’s two arms deal agreements with China which also signifies the expansion of Sino-Pak defense cooperation. These ships are armed with state-of-the-art sensors and weapon systems including CM-302 Anti-Ship Cruise Missile, SR2410C AESA radar, Type 517 (SUR17B) VHF air-search radar, Type 344 fire-control radar for SSM, and four MR-90 Front Dome systems for incorporation with surface to air missiles.
Other major armaments include one H/PJ-26 (76mm naval gun), two Type 1130 CIWS, two Type 726-4 decoy-launchers, 2 Type 87 anti-submarine rocket launchers and 2 Yu-7 anti-submarine torpedo launchers. For air defense operations, ship is equipped with 16 cells VLS launched LY-80N surface to air missiles.
Umair Aslam is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Defense Insight. He has worked as a defense journalist reporting on military modernization programs, defense industry, arms procurement, and emerging technologies.
