Pakistan Pakistan Navy Projects, News and Updates

Modernization of Pakistan Navy’s first AGOSTA 90B by STM done.

Second ongoing and third submarine modernization has recently begun.

Fire-control-system, sonar suite, EW, radar and periscope modernized.

PN BABUR,TCG İSTANBUL,TCG HEYBELİADA(from left to right).

The Pakistan Navy (PN) is upgrading three Agosta 90B submarines. STM in Turkey returned the second boat recently, while media reported last year that STM was also carrying out customisation work on its STM 500 mini-submarine on behalf of the PN.

Pakistan awaits eight 2,800t Hangor-class submarines. The keel of the fifth boat was laid, and steel was cut on the sixth vessel, at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) on 24 December 2022. China is building the first four boats, while KSEW is responsible for the remainder by 2028. Based on the Chinese Yuan class, the Hangor programme is running slightly behind schedule, since China was supposed to deliver its boats in 2022-23.

RAS, Rheinland Air Service, has delivered a second aircraft to the Pakistan Navy. The aircraft, known as RAS 72 – Sea Eagle, is part of a multi-year contract signed in 2015 for equipping the Pakistan Navy with a modern fleet of maritime patrol aircraft.

The first aircraft of the fleet was formally handed over in June 2018 and the second aircraft has been delivered after the introduction to the general public at the Paris International Airshow in June 2019.

A total of 3 to 4 aircraft are to be delivered to the Pakistan Navy replacing the F-27 Fokker MSA aircraft.

Vice Admiral Naveed Ashraf HI (M) T Bt was appointed as Chief of the Naval Staff and has been promoted to the rank of Admiral. His promotion to the rank of Admiral will be effective from the date of assuming Command of Pakistan Navy scheduled on October 7, 23.

He will succeed Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi. The Change of Command ceremony will be held at Islamabad.

Naval​

Pakistan launches first locally built assault boat​

By Usman Ansari
Dec 13, 2022

The launch of the first Bahria Boat Building Yard-made 12T marine assault vessel. (Courtesy of the Pakistan Navy)
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s Bahria Boat Building Yard launched its first 12T marine assault boat on Dec. 5 at its Karachi facility as part of a technology transfer deal with Polish shipbuilder Techno Marine.
The deal represents Techno Marine’s expanding presence in Pakistan; the company previously supplied 30 Chaser TM-1226 rigid inflatable boats for Pakistan’s naval special forces.

The contract for the marine assault boats was signed in 2018, but verifiable public information is limited. Available information notes the delivery in 2019 of two 12T vessels.

Pakistan’s Bahria Boat Building Yard launched its first 12T marine assault boat on Dec. 5 at its Karachi facility (Courtesy of the Pakistan Navy)
However, a spokesman with Bahria Boat Building Yard told Defense News the Pakistan Navy ordered 18 12T boats made up of two types. The Karachi Naval Dockyard is building those powered by outboard engines, and the Navy hired Bahria to make those powered by water jets. Bahria is currently building the remaining three of four vessels it is currently contracted to produce.
The spokesman also said efforts are underway to secure more domestic customers for the Bahria-built boats.

Around the 2003-2004 time frame, Thailand’s Marsun shipyard supplied M-16 fast assault boats — similar to the 12T — and the design for Pakistan’s locally built Jurrat-class missile boats. However, the M-16 vessels no longer meet the Pakistan Navy’s requirements.
The Bahria spokesman said the 12T “is for surveillance, policing purposes and [is] extremely swift in handling, as required, to operate in restricted/Creek areas,” but also around other sensitive areas such as the main naval base in Ormara and the commercial port of Gwadar.
The “Creek areas” refers to the disputed border with India around the Sir Creek, where the land border reaches the Arabian Sea. The tidal estuary is formed of marshland and shifting creeks. Conflicting claims over the border have resulted in a disputed maritime boundary in the Arabian Sea shaped like a large triangle, within which may be subsea energy resources.
Though the Pakistan Marines service patrols the Creeks area with British-built Griffon hovercraft, the 12T would enable a more effective patrolling presence into the disputed area of sea.
The 12T is equipped with twin inboard Cummins-powered Hamilton water jets. It can reach 42 knots (48 mph). It is also equipped with a navigational suite from British company Raymarine, and features ballistic protection by Danish company Scanfiber Composites.

About Usman Ansari
Usman Ansari is the Pakistan correspondent for Defense News.

Pakistan Fleet Modernisation on Track : Navy Chief ​

February 19, 2023



The modernisation plans for the Pakistan Navy will be continuously carried out with the purchase of more equipment and systems for the service, confirmed Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi.
Among the assets planned in the cards are aircraft for the Pakistan Naval Arms for surveillance activities, and more surface and subsurface vessels.
“The modernisation and upgradation of our systems and equipment to beef up the capabilities of our fleet us a continuous process. We will continue to add more add more platforms in our fleet, be it surface, subsurface, as well as air assets,” Admiral Amjad Khan told ADJ at the closing ceremony of Exercise Aman 23 in Karachi.
“As part of this programme, we are looking at adding more aircraft to our fleet, including jet-propelled type, which be converted into long-range maritime patrol aircraft,” added the navy chief.
Also in the cards are air-launched assets to and more platforms to boost the Navy’s surveillance capabilities, confirms Admiral Amjad.
The Chief of Naval Staff previously told ADJ in an exclusive interview that the acquisition of the Embraer Lineage 1000E jet aircraft is meant to achieve high-speed surveillance and deep strike capability.
Phase-I of the project sees the upgradation of two aircraft, with the first aircraft expected to join the Pakistan Navy in the next two years.
The navy chief also impressed that the Pakistan Navy will consider the option to carry out subsequent upgradation of these aircraft, in-country. The Pakistan Navy is also undertaking indigenous efforts at their Naval Research and Development Institute (NRDI) to develop remotely operated/autonomous surface and underwater vehicles for meeting Pakistan Navy’s other requirements that include oceanographic survey, mine-countermeasure operations, and maritime security operations. –shp.adj/aaa (Image: ADJ).


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Pakistan Navy Commissions First MILGEM-Class Ship​

September 25, 2023



Islamabad: Commissioning ceremony of Pakistan Navy’s first MILGEM-Class ship PNS Babur was held at Istanbul Naval Shipyard, Turkiye.
Turkiye’s Minister of National Defence, Yaşar Güler and Pakistan’s Defence Minister Lieutenant General (retd) Anwar Ali Hyder led the guest list in witnessing the occasion.
The ceremony also saw the presence of Pakistan’s Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi.
Also present were high level Civil & Military dignitaries from Turkiye and Pakistan and officials of Istanbul Naval Shipyard.

While addressing on the occasion, Turkish Defence Minister termed the strong Pakistan-Turkiye relations as exemplary and acknowledged the potential for further collaboration in the field of defence production.
He lauded the efforts and remarkable work done by Istanbul Naval Shipyard and M/s ASFAT (Turkish Firm). The defence minister also thanked the government of Pakistan and Pakistan Navy for exceptional support during recent devastating earthquakes at Turkiye.
During his address, Lieutenant General (retd) Anwar Ali Hyder impressed his admiration on the collaboration between the Ministry of Defence Production Pakistan, Ministry of National Defence of Turkiye, ASFAT and Pakistan Navy for synergised efforts to make the project a success and congratulated all teams on successful commissioning of first MILGEM-class ship.
He added due to the unique relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye because of deep rooted historical ties between the two brotherly countries, future cooperation shall continue.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi underlined that PN MILGEM ships are fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors will play a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
He expressed his gratitude for enhanced collaboration in defence production especially in maritime domain between the two nations.
The Admiral stated that in line with government policies, Pakistan Navy has adopted indigenisation of platforms and hence it is very satisfying to see modern warships being built in collaboration with Turkiye.
MILGEM-class ships are the most technologically advanced, state- of-the-art surface platforms being constructed for the Pakistan Navy. The ships will be fitted with latest command & control systems including modern weapons and sensors.
The contract for construction of four MILGEM-class ships for Pakistan was signed between Ministry of Defence Production, Pakistan and Turkish firm ASFAT in 2018. Under the project, two ships are under construction at Istanbul Naval Shipyard, while the other two are being constructed at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works.—shp/adj/aaa (Image: Pakistan Navy)

asfatAsian Defence JournalPakistan NavyPN Babur

Pakistan receives second modernised Khalid-class submarine​

by Ridzwan Rahmat




A file image of PNS Saad , one of the Pakistan Navy's three Khalid-class submarines. The service recently took delivery of another modernised boat, PNS Khalid , from STM. Another vessel, PNS Hamza , completed its modernisation programme with STM in 2021. (Naval Group)
The Pakistan Navy has received its second modernised Khalid (Agosta 90B)-class diesel-electric submarine (SSK) from Turkish company STM.
The vessel, PNS Khalid , was handed over to the service with a new suite of sonars, periscopes, and command-and-control systems, STM disclosed via a media statement on 25 January.
The Pakistan Navy operates a fleet of three Khalid-class SSKs that were commissioned between September 1999 and September 2008.
First-of-class Khalid was built by Naval Group (then known as DCN) in Cherbourg, France. The second and third vessels, PNS Saad and PNS Hamza , were constructed by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) under a technology transfer arrangement.
The Khalid class has a top speed of 20 kt when dived, and 12 kt when surfaced. When snorting, the vessel can achieve a maximum range of about 8,500 n miles at the cruising speed of 9 kt.
Two vessels in the class are equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) capabilities. Hamza was fitted with a 200 kW MESMA liquid oxygen AIP system from the time it was constructed, while Saad was retrofitted with the system between 2012 and 2014.
In terms of weapons, all three submarines are equipped with four 533 mm tubes each. Besides torpedoes, these tubes can deploy the Exocet SM39 surface-to-surface missile, as well as explosives such as the Stonefish Mk III naval influence mine from BAE Systems.

Pakistan Navy Launches First Hangor-Class Submarine In China​

On April 26, 2024, the Pakistan Navy launched the first Hangor-class submarine with a ceremony hosted by Wuchang Shipbuilding in Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China.​

Naval News Staff 28 Apr 2024

Pakistan Navy press release

The launching ceremony of the 1st Hangor-Class submarine constructed for the Pakistan Navy was held at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd, Shuangliu Base at Wuhan China. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

While addressing the ceremony, the Chief of the Naval Staff highlighted the importance of maritime security under the prevailing geo-strategic environment in the region and the commitment of the Pakistan Navy to contribute to ensuring a safe and conducive maritime environment for all. He added that HANGOR Class submarines with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors will play a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Chief of the Pakistan Navy along with the Pakistani and Chinese officials at the launching ceremony of the first Hangor-class submarine (Pakistan Navy photo)
While acknowledging the tireless efforts of China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Ltd (CSOC), he expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress. He also highlighted that the Hangor-Class S/M Project will surely add a new dimension to the ever-tested Pak-China friendship.


The government of Pakistan signed a deal with CSOC of China to acquire 8 HANGOR Class submarines during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan. Under the contract, 4 submarines will be built in China whereas the other 4 will be constructed in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) under Transfer of Technology ( T o T ). These Submarines will be fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors to engage targets at standoff ranges.

The launching ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from Pakistan and China including representatives of Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd and China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Ltd.

Naval News comments​

The Hangor-class submarines are an export variant of the PLAN’s Type 039B Yuan-class submarines. Pakistan accepted the purchase of eight submarines from China in April 2015. According to the agreement, four of the submarines will be built in Pakistan’s KS&EW at the same time as the other four will be produced in China.

Type 039A (Yuan)-class submarine
The initial plan was to deliver 8 boats between 2022 and 2028. The Chief Director of the program revealed in August 2016 that the first four of these submarines will be delivered in 2022-2023, with the final four following in 2028. But, it seems like the program has been running a bit late as the first submarine was launched in 2024.

The Pakistan Navy does not offer any details about the Hangor-class submarines’ subsystems or specific weapon systems. The Stirling AIP system is used in China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company’s (CSOC) S26 design, on which many experts assume the Hangor is based, but Pakistani officials have not publicly revealed the propulsion system of Hangor-class subs.

According to the Pakistani defence blog Quwa, Hangor-class submarines will be 76 meters long and have a displacement of 2800 tons, making them slightly shorter but heavier than the original S26 design.

Currently, PN operates three Agosta 90B air-independent propulsion (AIP) submarines and two Agosta 70 diesel-electric submarines. Three Agosta 90B subs have been undergoing a mid-life upgrade under a contract signed in 2016 with the Turkish STM Company as the prime contractor. STM delivered the first upgraded submarine, PNS Hamza, in 2020. The scope of modernization is the replacement of the Fire Control System, Sonar Suite, Electronic Warfare System, Radar, and Periscope System (Navigation and Assault).

The eight Hangor Class submarines will significantly strengthen the Pakistan Navy. Pakistan is likely to improve its A2/AD capabilities in the region after the project is completed. Though no official confirmation has been made on the weapon systems, it is clear that Pakistan would obtain deep strike capability if the Hangor-class submarines were outfitted with Babur-3 SLCMs.

this looks different from type 39b?