Wednesday, July 30, 2025
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China-made advanced naval warships recruited by Pakistan Navy

Pakistan Navy has enhanced its naval capabilities with the induction of two new Type 054 A/P frigates, PNS Tipu Sultan and Shahjahan, into its fleet. The vessels were commissioned in a ceremony held at Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai, China, and represent a significant step forward in Pakistan’s ability to counter maritime threats and contribute to peace and stability in the region.

The ceremony was attended by high-level civil and military dignitaries, including the Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, who served as chief guest and handed over the traditional Command Scrolls to the Commanding Officers of PN Ships.

Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Niazi highlighted that the commissioning of the two frigates marks a new chapter in the Pak-China friendship that has matured and rests firmly on the pillars of trust, respect, and mutual support. He further added that the navy, with the active support of China, has undertaken substantial measures to strengthen its force structure and progressive capability enhancement.

The Type 054 A/P frigates are technologically advanced and highly capable platforms, with enormous surface-to-surface, land attack, surface-to-air, and underwater firepower capabilities, coupled with extensive surveillance potential. The 4,000-tonne frigates are hinged upon modern stealth design, with the capability to simultaneously engage in multiple naval operations to counter maritime threats.

These ships will provide deterrence and a means for averting threats in the region while contributing towards the protection of Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCS). The development of these state-of-the-art naval units for the Pakistan Navy underscores China’s commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s maritime security.

The contract for four multi-role frigates (Type 054-A/P) for the navy was signed between Pakistan and China in 2018, with the first two ships, PNS TUGHRIL and PNS TAIMUR, joining the PN fleet in 2022. The development of these frigates is part of a larger effort by Pakistan to modernize its naval capabilities and strengthen its position as a regional power.

Pakistan’s strategic location, bordering the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf, makes it an important player in the maritime domain. However, Pakistan’s naval capabilities have traditionally been focused on countering India’s naval superiority in the region. The acquisition of these advanced frigates is a significant step towards enhancing Pakistan’s maritime security and establishing itself as a leading player in the Indian Ocean region.

The chief guest at the ceremony, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, expressed his appreciation for the support and cooperation extended by China towards Pakistan in the defense sector. He acknowledged the deep-rooted friendship and the strong bond of trust between the two countries that has stood the test of time.

Admiral Niazi further emphasized that the induction of the two frigates is a significant achievement for the Pakistan Navy, which will help bolster its capabilities to respond to maritime threats and enhance its role in maintaining regional peace and stability.

The Type 054 A/P frigates are equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems, making them highly capable platforms for engaging in multiple naval operations simultaneously. They are equipped with anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti-aircraft warfare capabilities, providing the Pakistan Navy with a potent deterrent against any potential aggressor.

Furthermore, the ships’ modern stealth design and extensive surveillance potential make them well-suited for patrolling and safeguarding the sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) in the region, which are critical for the movement of international trade and commerce.

The induction of the two frigates into the Pakistan Navy is a reflection of the country’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and strengthening its strategic partnership with China. The deepening of defense ties between the two countries is evident from the increasing frequency of joint military exercises, exchange of high-level visits, and collaboration in the field of defense production.

China
Image source: Google

China is one of Pakistan’s most trusted allies and has consistently supported the country in its efforts to maintain regional peace and stability. The two countries share a common vision for the region and are working closely to promote economic development, connectivity, and trade.

The commissioning of the two frigates is also a testament to the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to modernizing its fleet and acquiring state-of-the-art equipment to meet its operational requirements. The navy has been actively pursuing a comprehensive modernization plan to enhance its maritime capabilities and ensure the security of Pakistan’s maritime borders.

Read more: China vows to expand cooperation with Pakistan military

The induction of the two frigates is a significant milestone in the Pakistan Navy’s journey towards achieving its modernization goals. The frigates will help the navy in fulfilling its mission of protecting Pakistan’s maritime interests, contributing to regional peace and stability, and enhancing its role as a responsible maritime stakeholder.

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