China’s Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai launched the third Type 054 Frigate for Pakistan Navy on August 3. This is the third of four vessels ordered by Pakistan.
Pakistan Navy initially signed a contract for the delivery of two Type 054 A/P frigates in 2017. An additional contract for two more ships was signed in June 2018. The first vessel was launched in August 2020 and was floated in late May 2021, while the second vessel was launched in January 2021 at the Chinese Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai.
The keel-laying ceremony for the third frigate was held on May 1, 2021. All four units are built in China. The first two ships are expected to be delivered to Pakistan Navy by year-end.
Type-054 ships are state-of-the-art frigates equipped with the modern surface, subsurface, and anti-air weapons and sensors. Once constructed, the frigate will be one of the most technologically advanced surface platforms of the Pakistan Navy Fleet, fitted with the latest surface, subsurface, and anti-air weapon systems, according to a press release issued by the Pakistan Navy.
The ships will be fitted with a range of electronic warfare, air and surface surveillance and acoustic sensors integrated through the state of the art Combat Management System enhancing PN Fleet’s warfighting capabilities and will strengthen Pakistan’s Maritime defense and deterrence capabilities, the communiqué read.
Induction of these frigates will contribute in maintaining peace, stability, and power equilibrium in the Indian Ocean Region, it added. Successful launching of the 3rd Ship of the series is a testimony of deep-rooted defense and diplomatic Sino-Pak relations.
The Pakistan Navy is currently undertaking an important renewal of its fleet, with the procurement of several modern platforms: In addition to these frigates from China, Pakistan will also commission new corvettes from Turkey and OPV from the Netherlands. It is also modernizing its submarine force.