News Desk |
China has started construction of an export version of one of its most advanced warships for export to Pakistan as part of a major arms deal.
According to China Daily, China State Shipbuilding Cop, a state-owned defence contractor, is building the warship at its Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai.
China has started construction of an export version of one of its most advanced warships for export to Pakistan as part of a major arms deal.
A statement by the contractor said the ship was a version of the Chinese Navy’s most advanced guided missile frigate. It will be equipped with modern detection and weapon systems and will be capable of anti-ship, anti-submarine and air-defense operations.
Quoting Pakistan Navy, the newspaper said the ship’s class is Type 054AP, a version of the Type 054A ship, which the newspaper said was the best frigate in service with the Chinese Navy. “Military sources said the ship has a fully loaded displacement of about 4,000 metric tons and is equipped with advanced radars and missiles.
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About 30 Type 054As are in service with the PLA Navy,” the newspaper said, quoting observers. The report said Pakistan Navy had ordered four such ships.
It said the warship would be one of the largest and technologically advanced platforms of Pakistan’s Navy and strengthen Pakistan capability to respond to future challenges, maintain peace and stability and the balance of power in the Indian Ocean region.
Quoting an insider in China’s shipbuilding sector, the newspaper said the under-construction ship was the largest and most powerful combat vessel China has ever exported. “Type 054AP is the best frigate Pakistan can access in the international market. The service of Type 054APs will double the combat power of the Pakistani Navy’s surface fleet,” he told China Daily.