Pakistan Navy commissions first Type 054A/P frigate

The Pakistan Navy has commissioned PNS Tughril, the first of four Type 054A/P frigates built in China.

As informed, the commissioning ceremony for the frigates, along with ten Sea King helicopters gifted by the state of Qatar, was held at Pakistan Navy Dockyard, Karachi.

President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi said at the ceremony that the Type 054A project is yet another manifestation of the deep friendship with China, and the collaboration shows a time-tested brotherly fraternity that is emerging between the two countries and continues to get stronger and stronger every day, which is focused on promoting security, stability and peace.

Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, the Pakistani Chief of the Naval Staff, added at the ceremony that the Type 054A is a potent platform, fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors.

Type 054A/P (P standing for Pakistan) is an export version of the frigate which is already in service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN). The contract for four multi-role frigates Type 054A/P for Pakistan Navy was signed between Pakistan and China in June 2018.

The frigates displace 4,000 tons and are equipped with vertical launch systems (VLS), a 76mm gun, close in weapons systems and torpedo launchers. They have a flight deck and hangar capable of supporting medium lift helicopters.

The new ships are expected to strengthen the Pakistan Navy’s combat capability and contribute to maintaining peace and security in the country’s area of responsibility.

The launching ceremony for the second ship of the class took place in August 2020, while the keel-laying ceremony of the third Type-054A frigate was held in May last year.