MODS - this is significant news, therefore posted it seperately!
ASIA PACIFIC
Date Posted: 10-Jun-2009
Jane's Defence Weekly
Pakistan to receive first Sword-class frigate from China in August
Tim Fish Jane's Naval Reporter - London
The Pakistan Navy (PN) is preparing to receive the first two of four Sword-class (F-22P) frigates from China in August and December, it has emerged.
According to media reports in Islamabad on 5 June, Zulfiquar and Shamsheer are undergoing sea trials while the third frigate, Saif , was launched in Shanghai on 28 May.
The contract to procure the four 2,250-ton frigates - a modification of the Jiangwei II (Type 053H3) design - was signed with China in April 2005. The first three ships were built by Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding in Shanghai and the fourth will be built indigenously by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW).
First steel for Ship 4 was cut on 5 March 2009 and delivery is expected in April 2013. Technology transfer formed a significant part of the deal along with the upgrade of KSEW facilities, training and technical assistance.
The Sword-class frigates will replace Pakistan's ageing UK-built Leander-class frigates, the last of which were decommissioned in October 2006.
Beyond this, the PN is understood to be considering acquiring at least four further Chinese frigates: either larger and improved F-22P ships; or another design, such as China's Jiangkai (Type 054) class.