Monday, Pakistan Navy commissioned the first Chinese-made 054 Alpha Guided Missile Frigate PNS Tughril. Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Moin ul Haque attended the commissioning ceremony in Shanghai as chief guest.
The official spokesperson of the Pakistan Navy revealed a statement on Twitter. The statement also reiterated that Pakistan will continue to play a significant role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
“Pakistan Navy inducted PNS Tughril into her fleet which is lead-ship of Type 54A/P multi-purpose guided missile frigates manufactured by China,” the statement said.
“Pakistan Navy will continue to play its role in contributing to national government’s efforts for peace and stability in the region,” it further added.
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Moreover, the statement said that the construction of the ship is a testimony of Pak-China all-weather friendship.
“The most lethal, sophisticated, and technologically advanced ship PNS #TUGHRIL (Type 54 A/P) commissioned for Pakistan Navy. It’s the testimony of Pak-China all-weather friendship,” the statement said.
PNS #TUGHRIL is a technologically advance ship equipped with state-of-the-art sensors & weapons. The Ship is capable of enormous firepower & surveillance potentials. Construction of PN Ship at China is testimony of Pak-China all weather friendship 2/2
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) November 8, 2021
In 2017, Pakistan signed an initial contract for the delivery of two types 054 A/P frigates. The country signed an additional contract for another two ships in 2018.
As a result, Pakistan and China strengthened their naval collaboration with a series of arms procurement. Pakistan is currently acquiring Chinese-made frigates that will increase its offensive capability.
Special features of the warship
Weighing over 4000 tonnes, Tughril class ships are major surface combatant warships. They are designed for intense anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations on the high seas.
The warships also contain a 32-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS). Moreover, the warships have a PJ-26 76 mm main naval gun, 2×3 Anti-Submarine Torpedo launchers, 2×6 Type 87 Anti-Submarine rocket launchers, two Type 726-4 18-tube decoy rocket launchers, and two Type 1130 CIWS.
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Induction of these frigates will contribute to maintaining peace, stability, and power equilibrium in the Indian Ocean Region.