Indigenously-built warship commissioned by Pakistan

Karachi

A ceremony for the commissioning of fourth F-22P ship PNS ASLAT, indigenously built at the Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works, was held Wednesday.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila was the chief guest of the ceremony, which was attended by high ranking officials and dignitaries from China and Pakistan, including Ambassador of People’s Republic of China Liu Jian and the vice president China State Shipbuilding Corporation.

The commissioning of the PNS ASLAT and its handing over to Pakistan Navy fleet culminated the 2005 contract signed for the construction of three F-22P ships in China and the transfer of technology for indigenous construction of the fourth ship at the Karachi Shipyard.

The timely and successful delivery of all ships, including the indigenously built fourth ship, speaks volumes of cooperation and commitment between the CSTC/HZ Shipyard, the Karachi Shipyard and the Naval Headquarters.

The PNS ASLAT is fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, which makes it a highly potent warship capable of operating under multi-threat environments.

Inclusion of this unit in Pakistan Navy’s Destroyer Squadron will further strengthen and augment its capabilities to defend sea frontiers.

The chief guest congratulated all those who participated in the project, especially the workers and the management of the KSEW as well as the Chinese engineers and technicians for their support, cooperation and untiring efforts.

Construction of the PNS ASLAT has certainly enhanced the capabilities of the Karachi Shipyard in the indigenous construction of warships.

Construction of warship and other platforms like Fast Attack Craft (Missile),

Small Tanker cum Utility Ships, Tugs, etc at the Karachi Shipyard reflects the indigenisation policy of the government, especially in attaining self-reliance in defence capabilities.