By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistani Navy’s combat capabilities will be greatly enhanced with the induction later this year of two Chinese-built state-of-the art frigates later this year.
“The construction of the first two ships has already been completed and they will be delivered to Pakistan Navy in August and December this year after successful completion of ongoing trials,” a navy statement Thursday said.
“Weapons systems to be installed on first ship have been successfully demonstrated at the optimum performances and ranges,” the statement added.
Construction of the third F-22P type frigate is progressing on schedule at the Hudong Shipyard in Shanghai. This ship was launched May 28 and is currently being fitted out.
Construction of the fourth vessel started at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works in March and will be delivered to the Pakistani Navy in April 2013, APP news agency reported.
Equipped with modern weaponry and sensors, each ship can carry an anti-submarine warfare helicopter. The first two of these helicopters have already arrived in Pakistan.