Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila has said that Pakistan Navy is fully prepared to counter any challenge threatening Pakistan’s sovereignty or the security of the country’s waters.
He was speaking as chief guest at the commissioning ceremony of PNS Azmat, Pakistan’s first fast attack craft (Missile) at Xingang Shipyard in Tianjin, China on Monday. The second fast attack craft “PNS Dahshat” would be inducted in Pakistan Navy by end of the year.
The induction fast attack craft is part of deal with China, which also involved four F-22P frigates, six Harbin Z-9EC helicopters (already delivered to Pakistan Navy) and ammunition for the frigates.
According to report received from Pakistan embassy in Beijing, Admiral Sandila said the induction of PNS Azmat would supplement Pakistan Navy’s combat potential. Terming it a milestone in defence and strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China. He said, “This ship will undoubtedly be a very welcome addition in PN fleet, which would indeed provide synergy in defence of our sea frontiers. Its immense firepower coupled with stealthy features makes it a real versatile platform, which would not only prove vital for ensuring effective presence in our area of operations, but would also bring a new dimension of operation of stealthy platform of this tonnage.”
The naval chief said the commissioning of PNS Azmat concluded the construction of fast attack craft (Missile) in China and the construction of second craft will be completed in Pakistan by the end of 2012. He appreciated the hard work and professional competence of the designers, engineers, technicians and workers who were associated with this project. The PNS Azmat is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and sensors. Addition of this ship will strengthen the Pakistan Navy’s fleet with advance naval warfare capability and prowess. Work for the construction of two FAC (M) ships was started in June 2010.
On its way to Pakistan the ship will stop over in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. PNS Azmat is the first of Azmat class fast attack craft (Missile). Contract for construction of two fast attack craft (Missile) was signed on the basis of Transfer of Technology (ToT).
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