ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Navy is fully prepared to counter any force challenging the country’s sovereignty or threatening the security of its territorial waters, said the naval chief on Monday.
Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila was speaking as the chief guest at the commissioning ceremony of PNS Azmat, Pakistan’s first fast attack craft (missile) at the Xingang Shipyard in Tianjin, China.
Admiral Sandila said the induction of PNS Azmat will supplement Pakistan Navy’s combat potential, according to a press release issued by the navy in Islamabad.
Terming it a milestone in defence and strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China, he said the attack craft would indeed provide synergy in defence of the country’s sea frontiers.
“Its immense firepower coupled with stealthy features makes it a real versatile platform which would not only prove vital for ensuring effective presence in our area of operations, but would bring a new dimension of operation of stealthy platform of this tonnage,” he said.
Admiral Sandila said the commissioning of PNS Azmat concluded the construction of fast attack craft (missile) in China and the construction of a second craft will be completed in Pakistan by the end of 2012.
PNS Azmat is the first of Azmat class fast attack craft (missile). Contract for construction of two fast attack craft was signed on the basis of transfer of technology (ToT). In that, the first craft was to be built in China and the second is being constructed at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works.
The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-surface missiles and has stealth features.
(With additional input from APP in Tianjin, China)
Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2012.
COMMENTS (23)
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It's a good looking boat. But I seriously doubt any offensive potential. They have no air defense that means in open sea, without air cover they will be detected and destroyed. Personally, this is not a time for PN to join rat race of arms with the eastern neighbor.
These are GIFTS from Chinese Friends. I do not agree with the above mentioned comments by Mr. Khan, these are baseless and not based on facts.
This Fast attack Missile Craft can carry 8 Long range anti ship missile and can hit target with pinpoint accuracy at the distance of 180 km. this has also a main gun and CIWS to destroy coming anti ship missiles for self defense. This fast attack craft can perform very versatile roles in our sea frontiers and with the induction of this latest machine we are able to make sure our presence in forward positions which was the longstanding requirement of Pakistan Navy. although it lakes air defense but with MANPADS it is possible. this can carry small general purpose machine guns and rocket lauchers/ RPG-7 or etc. This posses serious threat to enemy coastal installations and ships. This has got advanced weaponry and sensors and this is highly automated craft which need half crew members than that of same class crafts. This is cost-effective solution to us. As far as Transfer of Technology is concerned China has transferred these technologies to Pakistan only because it's close ally and the Best friend of Pakistan, It has not transferred to any other countries like Bangladesh, Srilanka, Indonesia, these countries are keen to buy Chinese weapons and they purchase rather ToT. Thanks to Chinese friends of their non stop support for accomplishing this project. And We are Proud of Pakistan Navy's planners for their right decisions for procuring Chinese Defense Hardware. Proud of Pak Navy, we always stand by our beloved armed forces in every field.
@AB: Get where? To bankruptcy? Pakistan must be really rich to be paying for these junk.
@khan: Well the Chinese are making out like bandits while whispering sweet nothings in Pakistan's ears. I do not blame them they are taking advantage of the opportunity.
@Ohoo: What are you talking about? China doesn't show off their offensive capabilities to ensure Americans, Europeans and Indians don't die of heart attacks. Recently, Chinese declined invitations to cyber-warfare conferences. Otherwise, its not a secret that China has robbed corporate American blind by hacking their network. Heck, even Google wasn't spared!
No country has ever started a war with Pakistan & not one of the many Pakistan militant groups has the ability to attack Pakistan with a naval force -- so please tell me why a bankrupt country thinks it's appropriate to spend money on a fast attack missile cruiser? Your priorities are out of whack --- your finance minister should spend less time begging for money from the USA/IMF/World Bank and more time advising your govt on where to cut needless expenditures.
China subletting its fight against India to Pakistan - and it will not pay for services. And here we are repeating higher than himalayas .... nonsense.
Good job Pakistan Navy!
We need 200 fast strike patrol boats to launch defensive 'hive attacks' to make the coastal defence of Pakistan impregnable in the event of a conflict with India. Do not forget, that in 1971, the weakest element of our military was our navy and Karachi was literally bombarded by Indian missile destroyers.
We need a strong coastal defence. Our incoming submarine fleet will be worthy of sea operations to strike out bigger targets.
The best part for me was the transfer of technology (ToT) efforts.
For all the critics: I agree, these machines can be just another toy but that is how you learn. That is how everyone learns.. You can't perform differential calculus right after finishing up elementary mathematics (just an analogy).. You learn as you go...
Good work, most importantly, stay the course... we'll get there!
A real good induction in PN. Point to be noted is that the next one will be built by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.
Long Live Pak Cino friendship higher tha Himalyas and deeper than Arabian sea.
This is all we can afford right now so be happy with it people, to get an aircraft carrier we need to sell an arm and a leg. Good job China and Pakistan.
Co-operation also with Iran in manufacturing defence equipments is the need of the hour.
Long Live Pak Navy ... This will further strengthen our defense and add deterrence to our military strategy..
@khan..You have raised a good point. The answer for your question whether China uses this toys is big "NO". Chinese don't transfer technology for no reason.They do it only when this toys are not used and technology is obsolete.Ex.JF-17. Hardly any money would have gone into R&D for making this equipment. The only way they can make money is selling it in large numbers and by seducing the customer by offering ToT. Chinese themselves don't showcase their fighters even in air shows to analyse their capability and simply boast they are better than American or European Fighters. As of now the quality of all the Equipment China uses is a big doubt.Have you even seen a video of Chinese missile test? No. Simply put there is no way to know the capability of Chinese toys until they are in a war time scenario.
Free Free Free!!!!!!!
It is a good induction if transfer of technology takes place.
@khan:
Am sure u realize a frigate or a fast-attack craft is not a toy to play with........right??
What a waste of money that Pakistan can ill-afford to spend!
Good that they are working on transfer of technology.
Is China inducting these boats? Most of our chinese toys are not used by china itself, which is matter of grave concern. We have seen this in JF 17, Al Khalid, Frigates, and obsolete missiles, none of which are used by PLA, or inducted in very small numbers. Also, this is a very small boat of size 1000 ton, which is unlikely to carry "immense firepower" as touted by the spokesperson. These small boats cannot be used in high seas, but coastal waters. It is more suitable for fast movement, mainly for anti-piracy operations. Good to deploy in western coasts.