News
Friday, June 17, 2011
Pakistan Navy launches F-22P Frigate manufactured at KS&EW
Staff Report
KARACHI: Pakistan do not possess any aggressive designs but country’s sea trade routes, vast Exclusive Economic Zone and international energy lines that pass close to its territorial waters need to be protected which was in the interest of world community.
This was observed by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Noman Bashir while speaking as chief guest at the launching ceremony of fourth F-22P Frigate at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW) here on Thursday.
Bashir remarked that launching of F-22P ship at KS&EW was a commendable accomplishment and a loud manifestation of the indigenisation policy of the government specially attaining self reliance in maritime defence capabilities. Acknowledging the efforts of Pakistani and Chinese engineers and technicians for construction of F-22P Frigate at Karachi Shipyard, he congratulated China State Shipbuilding Company (CSSC), China Shipbuilding and Trading Company (CSTC), Hudong Zhongua and Karachi Shipyards for launching the ship according to the schedule and remarked that the occasion was yet another example of unparalleled Pak-China relations, which were founded on strong mooring.
Bashir emphasised that the launching of the warship being an important milestone had not only further strengthened relations with Chinese friends but had added colour and eminence to celebrations for 60 years of resounding friendship between Pakistan and China.
The Naval Chief appreciated the turnaround of Karachi Shipyard that enabled it to meet challenges of constructing warships and attributed the success to sound planning of KS&EW management and untiring efforts of its workforce.
Admiral Bashir also urged the Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) to continue supporting KS&EW on its road to progress. Admiral Bashir emphasised on building a strong Navy capable to defend maritime interests of the country.
Bashir said Pakistan Navy will continue to endeavour to maintain peace and stability in its area of responsibility. The fourth Frigate of F-22P series named as PNS Aslat. The design and construction of these ships started in year 2005 after signing of contract between MoDP and CSTC. Under the agreement, three ships were constructed at Hudong Zhongua Shipyard, China, while fourth ship was constructed at KS&EW under the transfer of technology arrangement.
In this regard, infrastructure at KS&EW had been upgraded and Human Resource had been trained in China and Pakistan to undertake the construction work. First three ships had already been timely delivered to Pakistan Navy. Experience gained during construction of forth ship at KS&EW will augment capabilities of Karachi Shipyard to reinforce its survivability and meet future challenges in warships construction projects.
The F-22P project while contributing significantly to maritime defence of the country, has also added a new dimension to Pak-China collaboration in defence field. F-22P Frigates have evolved from design of a Chinese Frigate with modifications and customisation to meet Pakistan Navy’s requirement. The induction of F-22P Frigates has considerably augmented existing surface fleet. These ships are capable of operating independently or as part of a task force in multi threat environments.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk