Navy Outgoing Pakistan Navy chief reveals details of modernization programs

[Test7]

Pakistan’s Navy is racing to plug operational and technological gaps as part of an unprecedented modernization effort, according to the outgoing naval chief, but analysts are divided on whether the move will deter adversaries.

Adm. Zafar Mahmood Abbasi was speaking during the an Oct. 6 change-of-command ceremony when he detailed measures he enacted, prioritizing “combat readiness and offensive capability” for the historically undersized force amid tension with India.
In addition to reorganizing the Navy’s force structure, he outlined acquisition and development programs, some of which were mentioned for the first time or had new details confirmed. These included:

• Expanding the Navy to more than 50 warships (more than doubling major surface combatants to 20, with plans for six additional large offshore patrol vessels).
• The apparent free transfer of a Chinese Yuan-class submarine to train Pakistani crews for its eight Hangor subs.
• Developing the hypersonic P282 ship-launched anti-ship/land-attack ballistic missile.
• Establishing the Naval Research and Development Institute to nurture indigenous design talent (it is presently engaged in programs such as the Jinnah-class frigate, Hangor-class subs, UAV jammers, directed-energy weapons, underwater sonar surveillance coastal defense systems, unmanned underwater vehicles and unmanned combat aerial vehicles).
• Replacing of the P-3C Orion patrol aircraft with 10 converted commercial jets, the first of which has been ordered.
• Acquiring medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicles as well as 20 indigenous gunboats, which are to be commissioned by 2025.

The Navy would not provide more details when asked, though the gunboats were previously confirmed as undergoing design.

Outgoing Pakistan Navy chief reveals details of modernization programs

Pakistan’s Navy is racing to plug operational and technological gaps as part of an unprecedented modernization effort, but analysts are divided on whether the move will deter adversaries.

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