PNS Zulifquar (FFG-251) is the lead ship of the F-22P sword-class multi-mission guided missile frigates. She was designed and manufactured by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in Shanghai, for the Pakistan Navy. The vessel’s design is derived from the Type 053H3 frigate of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
It is equipped with advanced systems which provide better sea keeping, fuel economy, corrosion resistance, and reduce acoustic and magnetic signatures. The ship is fitted with four diesel engines, driving twin CPPs, and is capable of attaining 29 Knots of speed coupled with excellent maneuverability. The ship also carries a modern Z9EC anti-submarine warfare helicopter.
Armaments:
- 2 quad launcher with C-802A AShM,
- 1 octuple launcher with FM-90N (CH-SA-N-4) SAM,
- 2 triple 324mm ASTT with ET-52C (A244/S) LWT,
- 2 RDC-32 A/S rockets
- 1 Type 730B (H/PJ-12) CIWS,
- 1 76mm gun
- Capacity 1 Z-9C Haitun helicopter
Main Roles:
- Air defence of a force operating at sea
- Interdiction of hostile surface combatants and commerce raiding
Patrolling, - Monitoring and protection of EEZ
- Radiate combat power in the area of interest
- Undertake heliborne operations
Principal Specifications:
- Overall Length: 123.0 m
- Breadth: 13.2 m
- Depth: 10.20 m
- Draught: 5.10 m
- Displacement (Full Load): 2,980 tons
- Speed: 29 knots
- Range: 4,000 nautical miles
- Complement: 183
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.
