Pakistan Navy has commissioned two newly built Type 054 A/P frigates – PNS Tippu Sultan and PNS Shahjahan – at a ceremony held at Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai, China. The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Mohammad Amjad Khan Niazi, presided over the event and handed over the traditional command scrolls to the commanding officers of the PN ships.
During his speech, the navy chief expressed that the commissioning of PNS Tippu Sultan and PNS Shahjahan symbolizes a new chapter in the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and China. He stated that this partnership has matured and firmly rests on the pillars of trust, respect, and mutual support. The navy chief also acknowledged the significant role of China in helping Pakistan Navy strengthen its force structure and progressive capability enhancement.
The completion of the Type 054 A/P Project is considered a significant leap towards strengthening Pakistan Navy’s capabilities to respond to maritime threats and contribute to peace and stability in the region. The Admiral thanked and praised the concerted efforts made by all major stakeholders involved in the development of the ships, including Bometec, Sastind, PLA (N), HZ Shipyard, and CSTC, for timely completion of the project despite pandemic challenges.
In 2018, Pakistan and China signed a contract for four multi-role frigates (Type 054-A/P) for Pakistan Navy. The first and second ships, PNS TUGHRIL and PNS TAIMUR, joined the PN fleet in 2022. These state-of-the-art naval units for Pakistan Navy are built with modern stealth design and have the capability to simultaneously engage in multiple naval operations to counter maritime threats.
The 4000 tons frigates are technologically advanced and highly capable platforms with enormous surface-to-surface, land attack, surface-to-air, and underwater firepower coupled with extensive surveillance potential. These ships will provide deterrence and means for averting threats in our region while contributing towards the protection of Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCS).
