Pakistan to launch third Azmat-class corvette

Pakistan’s Karachi Shipyard announced it would launch the nation’s third Azmat-class (FAC) corvette on September 17.

Construction of the 63 meter multi-mission, fast attack craft started in April 2015 while keel laying took place five months later on August 11.

The ship displaces 560 tons and, according to the builder, reaches a maximum speed of 30 knots with a range of 1000 nautical miles. This ship is propelled by four diesel engines, through four propulsion shafts with fixed pitch propellers.

The ship carries surface to surface missiles, a 25 mm automatic gun, and is equipped with the Russian AK-630 close-in weapon system.

PNS Azmat and PNS Dehshat, the first two ships in class, are already in service with the Pakistan Navy. Pakistan will ultimately operate four FACs following a 2010 agreement with China Shipbuilding and Offshore Company (CSOC). CSOC built the first unit while the other three are being constructed in Pakistan.