Chinese ship manufacturer on Saturday (today) launched Pakistan Navy’s second Type-054 Class Frigate in a ceremony held in China, reported DGPR Pakistan Navy.
According to DGPR Pakistan Navy (PN), launching ceremony of 2nd Type-054 Class Frigate for PN was held at Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard, China.
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Commodore Azfar Humayun (Chief Naval Overseer) attended the launching ceremony as the Chief Guest and noted that the induction of warship will enhance Pak maritime defense and deterrence capabilities.
He also acknowledged support of Chinese Shipyard and CSTC despite COVID-19. Technologically advance platform fitted with latest Surface, Subsurface, Anti-air weapons, Combat Management System and Sensors will strengthen PN combat capabilities and maintain peace and stability in IOR, said PN spokesperson.
It is pertinent to know that Pakistan Navy had inducted its first Chinese made Type-054A frigate in August 2020 last year.
Pakistan Navy has ordered four Type 054As, the last two orders were announced on June 1st 2018 and the ships are expected to enter service by 2021.
Type-054A Frigate
The Type 054A (NATO codename Jiangkai II) frigate is a class of Chinese multi-role frigates and is a further improved version of the previous Type 054 frigate, and has improved sensors and weapon systems.
Among its key features is its stealthy hull design that features sloped sides and reduced superstructure for minimizing the radar cross-section. Designed primarily for anti-air warfare, the frigates are also equipped to conduct anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions.
The Type 054A is armed with HQ-16 medium-range surface-air missiles fired from 32-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS). The HQ-16 missile can engage aerial targets from all angles up to a range of 50 kilometers.
In addition to it, the frigate can carry YJ-83 (C-803) sea-skimming anti-ship cruise missile. The missile is launched by two quadruple launchers mounted at the mid-ship position. The YJ-83 missile can carry a 165-kilograms conventional warhead to an operational range of 250 kilometers.
Type-054A vessels are also armed with two indigenous Type 730 seven-barrel 30mm close-in weapon systems (CIWS) for close-point defense against aerial threats. The CIWS can fire 4,600 to 5,800 rounds per minute for a maximum range of 3,000m.
Meanwhile, for anti-submarine operations the vessel has two Type 87 six-tube ASW rocket launchers and tow 324mm YU-7 ASW torpedo launchers. Each rocket has a 34-kilogram warhead and can strike under-water targets within the range of 1,200 meters.
The vessel can also accommodate a single Kamov Ka-28 Helix or a Harbin Z-9C helicopter.
