PAKISTAN’S naval capabilities would surely receive a boost with the induction of PNS Tughril, the first of four 054A/P multi-role frigates and 110 Sea King helicopters.
President Arif Alvi, who was the chief guest at the induction ceremony, lauded the development, expressing confidence that the potent and highly capable fleet and its air arm would continue promoting peace and stability in line with the government’s policy while devotedly guarding national maritime frontiers.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammed Amjad Khan Niazi underlined that the induction of PNS Tughril and Sea King helicopters would augment the force in its combat capabilities in safeguarding the territorial integrity and the maritime interests of Pakistan.
Pakistan is located in a strategic but highly volatile zone and as such effective and fool proof capabilities to defend maritime interests and boundaries of the country assume great significance.
The role of Pakistan Navy becomes all the more critical and vital in the backdrop of efforts being made by the country to develop Gwadar and make it a hub of regional trade and investment.
There is greater realization among policy-makers and the leadership of the Pakistan Navy to upgrade and modernize capabilities of the force but resource constraint is the biggest hurdle in translating this realization into practical programmes.
This is evident from the slow process in replacing the British-origin Tariq class warships that were inducted way back in 1990s.
Pakistan is grateful to its all-weather friend China for the supply of the state-of-the-art 054A multi-role frigate which is recognized as the backbone of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and to Qatar for its invaluable gift of modern helicopters to help strengthen defence capabilities of Pakistan Navy.
The guided missile frigate is designed for intense anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine operations in the high seas with long-range missiles, improved radar system, electronic warfare, air and surface surveillance and acoustic sensors and other combat management systems.
Its YJ-12 is considered to be “the most dangerous anti-ship missile China has produced so far”.
While welcoming induction of the new ship and helicopters, we would urge the authorities concerned to make adequate resources available to the Pakistan Navy for successful implementation of its well-thought-out modernization plan that envisages acquisition of modern ships, equipment and technology besides improving indigenous defence production capabilities.
These include expansion of the naval fleet to 50 warships, development of the hypersonic P282 ship-launched anti-ship/land-attack ballistic missile, replacement of P-3C Orgion patrol aircraft with ten converted commercial jets, acquisition of unmanned combat aerial vehicles and establishment of Naval Research and Development Institute.
It is quite evident that Pakistan, because of its financial challenges, cannot afford to enter into an arms race with India but it must invest in projects that prove effective deterrence against any threat to its maritime interests.
