PNS ‘Zulfiqar’ a type F22P Frigate was launched on April 07 at Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard, Shanghai. The launching ceremony was attended by the chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir. The F-22P is an improved version of the Chinese Type 053H3 frigate.
The interesting features of type F22P project are:
- frigates are built as part of military collaboration between China and Pakistan signed in 2005.
- three frigates would be constructed at China
- includes complete transfer of technology to construct fourth frigate at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works
- China would provide support in ship design, construction and test trials
- frigates have stealth feature called Radar Cross Sectional (RCS) reduction
- frigates have surface to surface, air and underwater strike capabilities
- frigates are also equipped with Chinese Z9EC helicopters
- would be completed in five years
- at a cost of $750 million
Click here and here for more information.
Click here to view PLA Navy shipborne helicopters.
Update: October 30
Pakistan’s F22P frigate is progressing fast and is expected to be delivered in mid 2009. You can view interesting photographs at China Defense Mashup here and here.
Update: December 13
Reports are coming that PNS Zulfiqar, the first F22P frigate has commenced sea trials. Read more from Information Dissemination.
Update: January 05, 2009
Here are some more photographs of the first F22P (Hull No 251) undergoing sea trials and technical specifications of F22P from Chinese Military News Blog.
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it is really good addition..
Rubab
Welcome to MarineBuzz. Thanks for your response.
[...] first ship launched on April 07,2008 (to be commissioned as PNS Zulfiqar) is nearing completion and is expected to be delivered to [...]