Second Type-054 frigate of Pakistan Navy launched in China

Pakistan Navy ordered four frigates in 2017 which are being delivered as per planned schedule

ISLAMABAD:

The second Type-054 AP frigate of the Pakistan Navy, out of an order for four warships, was launched in China on Saturday. 

According to Navy’s media wing, the launching ceremony was held at Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard Shanghai, China. The ceremony was attended by Chief Naval Overseer (CNO) Commodore Azfar Humayun as chief guest.

“Type-054 Frigates will be one of the most technologically advanced surface platforms of Pakistan Navy Fleet, fitted with latest surface, subsurface and anti-air weapon systems,” the press release added. “The ships will be fitted with a range of electronic warfare, air and surface surveillance and acoustic sensors integrated through a state of the art Combat Management System.”

Pakistan Navy ordered four Type-054A/P Frigates in 2017. All the ships are being delivered as per the planned schedule despite Covid-19 disruptions. 

While addressing the ceremony, CNO Commodore Humayun highlighted that induction of these warships would significantly enhance Pakistan’s maritime defence and deterrence capabilities.

 

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He also acknowledged the commitment, hard work and timely completion of the important milestone project by CSTC [China Shipbuilding Trading Company] and HZ [Hudong–Zhonghua] Shipyard in Shanghai despite the ongoing global pandemic, the communique added.

The occasion of the launching ceremony also coincided with the completion of 70 years of Pak-China diplomatic relations built upon historic bonds of friendship and mutual trust.

The ceremony was also attended by various high-level Chinese officials including representatives of CSTC and HZ Shipyard.

According to the Pakistan Navy, the Type-054 A/P ships are state of the art frigates equipped with modern surface, subsurface and anti-air weapons and sensors.

 

“Once constructed, these ships will be the most technologically advanced platforms of Pakistan Navy which will strengthen its capability to meet future challenges and maintain peace, stability and power equilibrium in the Indian Ocean Region,” the press release added.

In a recent interview with Chinese daily, The Global Times, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi, said these frigates would be some of the most technologically advanced platforms of Pakistan Navy's Surface Fleet.

The ships would “significantly contribute in maintaining peace and security in the region,” he said.