Pakistan Navy inducts its most advanced frigate, ‘PNS Tughril’

Islamabad: Pakistan Navy inducted the most-advanced Type 054 A/P multi-mission frigate named ‘PNS Tughril’ at a ceremony held at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard in Karachi. The latest induction would significantly boost Pakistan Navy’s (PN) warfare capabilities.

Speaking at the launch ceremony on January 24, President Dr Arif Alvi stressed the need for a “well-equipped fleet with surface, air and sub-surface platforms to safeguard sea frontiers under the challenging security environment.” He expressed satisfaction and confidence that the new frigate would strengthen the naval fleet to guard maritime frontiers and continue to promote peace and stability in the region.

Augment combat capabilities

The ceremony marked the induction of 10 WS-61 Sea King helicopters into the naval air arm. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammed Amjad Khan Niazi said that “the induction of PNS Tughril and Sea King helicopters would augment the force’s combat capabilities in safeguarding the territorial integrity and the maritime interests of Pakistan.” The navy chief termed the guided-missile frigate “a potent platform, fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors.”

Admiral Niazi thanked the Chinese Navy’s commander for his support throughout the trials and commissioning of the PNS Tughril. He also detailed PN’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region through various maritime initiatives

Pakistan-China defence partnership

Pakistan’s President Dr Alvi said that induction of PNS Tughril is a “testimony of Pak-China friendship” which is getting stronger day by day and is focused on promoting security, stability and peace. Pakistan signed a contract with China for two frigates in 2017 and another two next year.

The ceremony was attended by diplomats from the embassies of China and Qatar, the governor of Sindh and officers of the army, navy and air force. The commissioning ceremony in Karachi was the second for Type 054A/P frigate as the first one took place on November 8, 2021, at China’s Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard.

Highly advanced warship

The Type 054A/P frigate named ‘PNS Tughril’ is a technologically advanced platform, equipped with modern weapons and sensors and is capable of executing all dimensions of naval warfare simultaneously in a highly intense multi-threat environment. PNS Tughril is armed with vertical launch surface to air missile system, supersonic surface to surface missiles and fitted with 3D surveillance radar among other systems. “PNS Tughril is equipped with state-of-the-art combat management and electronic warfare system along with modern self-defence capabilities,” according to Navy officials.

Pakistan Navy inducts Sea Kings

Pakistan Navy officially inducted 10 Westland WS-61 Sea King naval helicopters procured from Qatar into the No. 111 Squadron of Naval Air Arm on 24 January. Of the ten aircraft, seven are reportedly Commando Mk3 types and others are Commando Mk2A variants. The helicopter’s capabilities and mission roles include: search and rescue, airborne early warning, anti-submarine warfare and anti-ship warfare.

Pakistan Navy modernisation

Pakistan Navy is procuring modern platforms from China and Turkey under its modernization efforts. To strengthen its submarine force, Pakistan signed a contract with China for eight advanced submarines. In December 2021, Karachi Shipyards & Engineering Works (KSEW) had the steel cutting ceremony for the fifth Hangor-class submarine - the first to be indigenously built in Pakistan. The fourth Jinnah-class (MILGEM type) corvette is being built in collaboration with Turkey at Karachi Shipyard.