Pakistan Navy | News & Discussions.

[fatman17]

India’s Current Submarine Force, and Rival Navies


Pakistan currently owns 8 submarines. They acquired 4 French Daphne submarines (Hangor Class) and 2 French Agosta 70 submarines (Hashmat Class) from the French Navy during the 1970s, and modified the submarines to fire Harpoon missiles in 1985

. Two updated Agosta 90Bs (Khalid Class) are also in service, and were commissioned in 1999 and 2003 respectively. The third submarine will add a MESMA AIP, and the other two Agosta 90Bs may be refitted for the propulasion system later.

Two of Pakistan’s Hangor Class are due for decommissioning soon, and the age of the Daphnes and Agosta-70s will make maintaining their current submarine force level a challenge.


China currently owns 74 submarines; 33 of them are Type 033s, a Chinese copy of the 1960s-era Romeo class (which in turn was based on 1944 U-Boat designs). None of those are expected to remain in service past 2010, but projections indicate that by the time India’s Scorpenes begin to enter service, the Chinese will probably have 58-61 submarines.

If one leaves out the problem-plagued Type 091 Han Class SSNs and old, updated-Romeo Type 035 Ming Class SSKs entirely, China’s attack sub force is still projected at about 30 subs by 2010, including 4 Type 093 Shang Class SSN and 8 Kilo (Project 636) & Advanced Kilo Class (Project 877) SSKs.

The submariner blog Ultraquiet No More points out that India currently operates 14 submarines. Based on additional research, DID has revised that total to 16 submarines, of which 9-13 are currently operational:

•4 German Type 209 SSK submarines, known in India as the Shishumar Class. They were delivered between 1984 – 1994; S44 Shishumar has been refitted, and one submarine (probably S47 Shankul) is currently undergoing a refit. The vessels are expected to reach their end of service life between 2016-2024.

The United News of India (UNI) reported on Sept 6/04 that Siemens of Germany has offered the Indian Navy an upgrade for the Shishumar Class submarines, which will involve the installation of their Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. India is said to be cautious about the technology, and especially the dangers of storing hydrogen on shore.

•10 Russian Kilo Class/ Project 877 SSKs, known in India as Sindhu Class and built (1986-1991, 1997, 2000) under a contract between Rosvooruzhenie and the Indian Defense Ministry. They are considered to be one of the world’s quietest submarines, but there are reports that the Indian Navy considers them underpowered. Several of these subs have received mid-life refits, but the quality of those refits has been a subject of dispute. Based on the timing of mid-life refits and statements by India’s Navy, it seems likely that India’s Kilos will begin reaching the end of their service lives and entering rolling decommissioning around 2012. Even so, the spacing of their original delivery ensures that they will remain in service for many years to come.

•Bharat-Rakshak adds that 2 Foxtrot class subs delivered in the mid-1970s are still technically in service. S40 Vela is said to be undergoing a refit of some kind, which may or may not ever be completed. S42 Vagli is based in Mumbai, and is unlikely to remain in service for very much longer.

GSOrg

 

[Nishan_101]

India’s Current Submarine Force, and Rival Navies


Pakistan currently owns 8 submarines. They acquired 4 French Daphne submarines (Hangor Class) and 2 French Agosta 70 submarines (Hashmat Class) from the French Navy during the 1970s, and modified the submarines to fire Harpoon missiles in 1985

. Two updated Agosta 90Bs (Khalid Class) are also in service, and were commissioned in 1999 and 2003 respectively. The third submarine will add a MESMA AIP, and the other two Agosta 90Bs may be refitted for the propulasion system later.

Two of Pakistan’s Hangor Class are due for decommissioning soon, and the age of the Daphnes and Agosta-70s will make maintaining their current submarine force level a challenge.


China currently owns 74 submarines; 33 of them are Type 033s, a Chinese copy of the 1960s-era Romeo class (which in turn was based on 1944 U-Boat designs). None of those are expected to remain in service past 2010, but projections indicate that by the time India’s Scorpenes begin to enter service, the Chinese will probably have 58-61 submarines.

If one leaves out the problem-plagued Type 091 Han Class SSNs and old, updated-Romeo Type 035 Ming Class SSKs entirely, China’s attack sub force is still projected at about 30 subs by 2010, including 4 Type 093 Shang Class SSN and 8 Kilo (Project 636) & Advanced Kilo Class (Project 877) SSKs.

The submariner blog Ultraquiet No More points out that India currently operates 14 submarines. Based on additional research, DID has revised that total to 16 submarines, of which 9-13 are currently operational:

•4 German Type 209 SSK submarines, known in India as the Shishumar Class. They were delivered between 1984 – 1994; S44 Shishumar has been refitted, and one submarine (probably S47 Shankul) is currently undergoing a refit. The vessels are expected to reach their end of service life between 2016-2024.

The United News of India (UNI) reported on Sept 6/04 that Siemens of Germany has offered the Indian Navy an upgrade for the Shishumar Class submarines, which will involve the installation of their Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. India is said to be cautious about the technology, and especially the dangers of storing hydrogen on shore.

•10 Russian Kilo Class/ Project 877 SSKs, known in India as Sindhu Class and built (1986-1991, 1997, 2000) under a contract between Rosvooruzhenie and the Indian Defense Ministry. They are considered to be one of the world’s quietest submarines, but there are reports that the Indian Navy considers them underpowered. Several of these subs have received mid-life refits, but the quality of those refits has been a subject of dispute. Based on the timing of mid-life refits and statements by India’s Navy, it seems likely that India’s Kilos will begin reaching the end of their service lives and entering rolling decommissioning around 2012. Even so, the spacing of their original delivery ensures that they will remain in service for many years to come.

•Bharat-Rakshak adds that 2 Foxtrot class subs delivered in the mid-1970s are still technically in service. S40 Vela is said to be undergoing a refit of some kind, which may or may not ever be completed. S42 Vagli is based in Mumbai, and is unlikely to remain in service for very much longer.

GSOrg

If not wrong then PN is going to upgrade its Agosta-70 to the similar Subtics like of Agosta-90B(although we need to produce it of about 7 Agosta-90B which was the wish of every Pakistani, but due to many Political and other economical problems that include time as well and PN decision which turned out be the worse made it impossible. But there are symbols that if economical conditions will going to improve then we might going to do JV with Chinese/Germans on SSKs and Andrasta like submarines).

Although PN has a clear requirement of 14+ - 21 SSKs but due to economical reasons we are not going any where but some post suggested that PN might be interested in Germans one like U-216 or a new program....

 

[Windjammer]

Wonder if it's PN disposing off it's Lynx fleet. ??

 

[Nishan_101]

Wonder if it's PN disposing off it's Lynx fleet. ??

MASHA ALLAH now PN is doing the right thing. May ALLAH give all the brain and thoughts as well as action which is loved by ALLAH. Ameen.

I also hope they will look to dispose of other older equipments as well.

PA and PAF too....

 

[fatman17]

Wonder if it's PN disposing off it's Lynx fleet. ??

yep expensive to operate. spare parts problem.

 

[imiakhtar]

yep expensive to operate. spare parts problem.

And for those of us who can't read urdu:

 

[Penguin]

... got to get me one of these ;-)

 

[fatman17]

U.S. Navy Take Notice: China is becoming a World-Class Military Shipbuilder.


November 01, 2012

By Gabe Collins and Andrew Erickson.

The engine of China's naval rise has flown under the radar - until now.


China’s military shipyards now are surpassing Western European, Japanese, and Korean military shipbuilders in terms of both the types and numbers of ships they can build. If Beijing prioritizes progress, China’s military shipbuilding technical capabilities can likely become as good as Russia’s are now by 2020 and will near current U.S. shipbuilding technical proficiency levels by 2030. China is now mass producing at least six classes of modern diesel-electric submarines and surface warships, including the new Type 052C “Luyang II” and Type 052D “Luyang III” destroyers now in series production.

Eight key themes, listed sequentially below, characterize China’s rise as a world-class military shipbuilder. For reference, the companies building the warships are China State Shipbuilding Corporation (“CSSC&#8221 and China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (“CSIC&#8221.

1. China’s warship build out thus far supports modernization and replacement, not rapid expansion

Over the past six years, China’s overall fleet of frontline combatants has expanded, but slowly, growing from 172 ships in 2005 to an estimated 221 vessels in 2012. However, the fleet has improved substantially in qualitative terms as newer ships and subs replace older ones. For instance, as Type 052 C/D Luyang-series destroyers, Type 054A Jiangkai II-series frigates, and Type 041 Yuan diesel-electric submarines have come into the fleet, they are allowing the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to steadily retire obsolete platforms like Luda destroyers and Ming submarines.

2. Chinese military shipbuilders are catching up to Russian and U.S. Yards

China’s large state-backed military shipbuilders are approaching their Russian and U.S. peers in terms of the number of warships built. China’s large submarine and surface warship build out will, in a decade, likely have it become second only to the U.S. in terms of total warships produced since 1990. More importantly, the ramp-up of China’s construction of large warships in recent years will mean the PLA Navy will likely be taking delivery of larger numbers of modern surface combatants and submarines annually than the U.S. Navy.


Measured in terms of warships commissioned since 1990, China is now number three globally and is rapidly gaining on Russia, the number two country. Most of Russia’s post-1990 military ship deliveries simply reflected yards “finishing up” Soviet-era projects.

Chinese yards, in contrast, have come on strong over the past decade, with a big push in submarine construction that began in 2002-03 and a strong pipeline of surface warship deliveries that continues to gain steam to this very day. Chinese military shipyards—in particular the Changxing Island and Hudong Zhonghua yards near Shanghai—are humming with activity, and over the next 2-3 years, China is likely to commission enough large warships to put it second only to the U.S. in terms of large warships built and delivered since 1990.

3. China’s military shipbuilders are using modular mass production techniques

CSSC’s Jiangnan Shipyard is using modular construction methods to build Type 052-series destroyers. Modular construction involves building the ship in “blocks.” This maximizes a shipyard’s productive potential and also provides greater latitude for modifying designs and customizing ships. Modular construction also gives yards the flexibility to either build centers of expertise within the yard or outsource the production of certain components and then import them to the yard for final assembly.

CSSC’s Hudong Zhonghua shipyard also appears to be using modular construction techniques for the Type 071 LPD. The yard has now constructed four of the vessels, two of which are in service and two of which are in the trial/outfitting stage. They have also been able to fabricate the Type 071 hulls faster, with a time gap of nearly four years between the first and second vessels, but only 10 months between vessels two and three, and four months between vessels three and four.

4. China’s military shipyards appear to be sharing design and production information across company lines

Historically, CSIC built all Chinese submarines, but the current production run of Type 041 Yuan-class advanced diesel electric subs has seen at least two boats being built in CSSC’s Jiangnan yard. This suggests submarine construction expertise is growing outside of CSIC. However, there are no indications thus far that CSSC is doing submarine design work, which could mean that Beijing is making the companies and their design institutes share submarine design and construction information. Likewise, the new Type 056 corvette is being built in both CSSC and CSIC shipyards, suggesting that a standardized design and production approach is being shared by both companies.

5. China’s military shipbuilders will be able to indigenously build aircraft carriers

China’s first aircraft carrier, Liaoning, which entered service on September 25th of this year, started as an empty hull and gave CSIC valuable experience in effectively creating an aircraft carrier from the keel up. China has a total of seven shipyards with sufficiently large berths to assemble a carrier hull (three hundred meters or more), and the yards are basically equally dispersed between CSSC and CSIC. These yards are located in Dalian (CSIC), Qingdao (CSIC), Huludao (CSIC), Shanghai (CSSC), and Guangzhou (CSSC).


CSIC Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry complex near Huludao (where China builds its nuclear submarines) is a top candidate due to its large, covered building sheds where carrier parts could be fabricated in modular fashion and out of the view of satellite surveillance. The company says it has the “largest indoor seven-step” ship construction facilities in China. This facility, together with CSSC’s large new Changxing Island yard, and CSIC’s Dalian yard—which fitted out the carrier Liaoning that just entered PLAN service—are the three leading candidates to build China’s indigenous carriers.

6. China will retain a military shipbuilding cost advantage

We project that for at least the next five years, Chinese shipbuilders will have a substantial labor cost advantage over their counterparts in South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. CSSC’s Jiangnan shipyard can likely deliver a Type 052C destroyer for 24% less than it costs Korea’s Hyundai heavy Industries to produce a KDX-III destroyer. Likewise, according to disclosures in the July 2011 issue of Ship borne Weapons, Wuchang shipyard can produce a late model diesel electric sub such as the Type 041 for roughly 47% less than it would cost South Korea’s DSME to make a Type 209 submarine. The lower labor cost in China likely serves as a core driver. This may help explain the larger Chinese cost advantage in building submarines, since advanced submarines can require substantially larger number of man-hours to build than surface ships do.

7. China’s neighbors feel increasingly compelled to augment their naval forces in response to Chinese warship production

South Korea has decided to expand its procurement of advanced diesel-electric submarines to include nine KSS-III 3,000-ton submarines by 2020 and nine 1,800-ton subs by 2018. This acquisition will basically double the size of the country’s current sub force and substantially enhance its capabilities, since the biggest boats in the fleet are currently 1,800-ton vessels. South Korea has also elected to double its Aegis destroyer purchases over the next decade.

Similarly, Vietnam’s maritime friction with China and fear of the PLAN’s growing power is making Hanoi into one of the Russian defense industry’s star customers. Vietnam has ordered six Kilo-class diesel submarines from Russia and is likely to take delivery of its first Kilo by the end of 2012. Hanoi is also adding advanced Russian anti-ship missiles and stealthy Gepard-class missile armed patrol boats to its naval force.

8. China now has the potential to become a significant exporter of diesel submarines and smaller surface warships

China’s shipbuilders are becoming increasingly competitive in terms of the ratio of cost to combat power they can deliver. For instance, the July 2011 issue of Shipborne Weapons reports that China will supply 6 potentially Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP)-equipped submarines to Pakistan for as little as 1/3 the unit price at which European shipyards would be able to supply comparable boats.


With the advent of the Type 041 Yuan-class diesel sub and Type 056 corvette, China now has two platforms for which it is already capable of series production and for which the unit costs are likely to drop significantly in coming years. The export version of Russia’s Steregushiy-class corvette, called Tigr, currently stands at around U.S. $150 million per vessel. As China’s Type 056 production run continues to expand, it would not be a surprise to eventually see the PLAN’s unit cost end up in the U.S. $110-120 million per vessel cost range, which would make the Type 056 a serious export competitor to the Tigr and other smaller Russian warships.

Conclusion

China’s naval shipbuilding industry has advanced to the point that it can series produce modern diesel submarines, landing platform docks (LPDs), destroyers, frigates, corvettes, and fast attack craft, albeit with some imported components for a number of key systems. The ongoing series production of Type 041 SSKs, Type 071 LPDs, Type 052 destroyers, and Type 056 corvettes strongly suggests that China’s military shipbuilders have rapidly assimilated commercial innovations such as modular construction.

Chinese naval shipbuilding faces several challenges moving forward. Most notably, six major questions remain:

1. Does Beijing have the political will to continue devoting substantial and growing resources to naval modernization?

2. Can China achieve requisite technical advances in weapons systems, propulsion, and military electronics?

3. Can China master the technologies needed to build nuclear submarines capable of surviving in a conflict with U.S. and Russian boats?

4. Can it build an aircraft carrier with catapults that would allow it to maximize the strike and air combat capabilities of the J-15 fighter it is likely to carry?

5. Will the Chinese leadership be willing to invest political and financial capital in establishing intensive and realistic training for the PLAN and provide diplomatic support for establishment of sustained access to facilities in key areas such as the Indian Ocean region?

6. Will continued weakness in the global ship market prompt Beijing to capitalize on the availability of shipyard space to further increase the pace of military shipbuilding?

China’s military shipbuilders are showing that they can meet Beijing’s current call for warships and could produce more if given the mandate and the resources. The U.S. strategic rebalancing toward the Asia-Pacific will need more than rhetoric if it is to remain credible in the face of China’s potential to rapidly produce modern warships.

The Pentagon should consider adjusting the U.S. Navy’s ship acquisition programs in response. As Chinese warships become better, the numbers ratio between the PLAN and U.S. Navy combatants will become increasingly important. Given that shipbuilding is an industry where lead times can be many years, now is the time for Washington to begin responding to China’s warship production improvements and prepare strategically for further naval advances that Beijing is likely to unveil over the next 2-3 years.

good news for PN

 

[james5]

Pak navy is going strong at this time .

 

[fatman17]

Commander of Sri Lankan Navy Visiting Pakistan


November 6th, 2012 by Shadab Khan


The Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Jayanth Colombage is visiting Pakistan on an Official visit from today. The visit of Sri Lankan Navy Commander will be from 6 – 12 November 2012, which is undertaken on the invitation extended by Chief of Naval Staff Pakistan Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila.



This will be Vice Admiral Colombage’s first visit abroad after taking over Command of the prestigious Sri Lankan Navy to the closest regional ally and traditional friendly country Pakistan.



Vice Admiral Colombage was promoted to the 3-star rank of Vice Admiral and was appointed as the New Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on 27 September 2012 by H.E Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.



Vice Admiral Colombage will be visiting all major naval establishments in Karachi besides holding discussion with his counterpart for future collaboration between the two friendly navies.



During stay in Karachi he will also visit the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS). The IDEAS showcases a wide variety of technology, ranging from equipment used in the third world countries to the most sophisticated systems from the West. This exhibition provides a perfect interactive platform for the defence forces to assess the best products and technology to cater for their respective defence-related requirements. Besides, it also presents an ideal opportunity to the manufacturers of Military Weapons System, Vehicles, Defence system etc. for entering into collaboration and joint ventures with Pakistan or other prospective international partners.



The visit of Sri Lanka Navy Commander is of immense importance especially after the war is over in Sri Lanka and there is a requirement to build on relations of strategic value between the two friendly countries in the new and developing regional environment.



Since independence, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have consistently maintained close, cordial and mutually supportive relations especially in the field of defense. Both nations have assisted each other during testing times in their histories.



Pakistan and Sri Lanka have comprehensive and mutually beneficial training collaboration for Army, Navy and Air Force. Over a period of time, a strong bond of commitment and mutual understanding has been reached between both the friendly armed forces. In future too, both the brotherly countries are expected to work more closely in the field of defence to boost peace efforts in the region.

 

[fatman17]

Locally built pusher tugs launched


KARACHI, Nov 9:


Two pusher tugs constructed for Pakistan Navy at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) were launched here on Friday.

The event was planned in connection with the international defence exhibition IDEAS-2012.

The defence production secretary, retired Lt-Gen Shahid Iqbal, chaired the launch ceremony.

Senior flag officers, delegates from friendly countries attending IDEAS-2012 and dignitaries from the maritime sector, defence industries and Pakistan Navy were present.

The pusher tugs with a displacement of 55 tonnes can achieve the speed of 10 knots with bollard pull of 12 tonnes.

The push bow and fenders of the pusher tugs have been specially designed for safe handling of submarines in the harbour.

In his address, the chief guest, retired Lt-Gen Shahid Iqbal, highlighted the significance of the occasion saying that it showed the capacity and capability of Pakistan in defence production. “It is indeed a clear manifestation of the indigenisation policies of our government and a proud moment for the KSEW,” he said.

He expressed satisfaction over the continued success of the Karachi shipyard in achieving major targets of its business plans both in shipbuilding and general engineering projects.

“This success is attributable to sound planning of the management and relentless efforts of its workforce,” he added.

Earlier delivering the welcome address, managing director of the Karachi Shipyard Rear Admiral Hasan Nasir Shah said that these tugs had been indigenously built at the KSEW with international quality standards and the KSEW had achieved complete
self-sufficiency for construction of such vessels.

In the past two years the KSEW had delivered four of such vessels taking total tally to 19 tugs made at the KSEW, he added.

Addressing the ceremony, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Projects) Rear Admiral Abdul Aleem said that the Karachi shipyard had always been the main support for Pakistan Navy fleet for new construction as well as repair of ships.

“The present event is the continuation of its long lasting commitment with Pakistan Navy,” he added.

He said that in recognition of the commendable support, Pakistan Navy also entrusted the Karachi Shipyard with F22P frigate, FAC-M No2, 32 tonne bollard pull tug and multipurpose barge construction projects.—APP

 

[fatman17]

Interview: Adm. Asif Sandila, Chief of Naval Staff, Pakistan Navy


Feb. 20, 2012 - 12:38PM | By USMAN ANSARI

ISLAMABAD — Bordering Afghanistan and near the Arabian Sea, Pakistan has become a frontline state in global anti-terrorism endeavors since 2001. Maritime counterterrorism and anti-piracy efforts have increasingly drawn the Pakistan Navy (PN) into international operations such as Coalition Task Force 150 and counter piracy Coalition Task Force 151.

The Navy, led since October by Adm. Asif Sandila, must maintain its peacetime fleet plus deterrent credibility in the face of archrival India’s military expansion, which includes a modernization and expansion program for the Indian Navy. The Pakistan Navy’s own modernization plans have been complicated by the nation’s poor financial position, which has made Pakistan more reliant on China for new military equipment.

Q. You have only just taken up office. What are the most pressing issues you face at present?

A. We are faced with a phenomenal naval buildup in our immediate neighborhood, which has the potential to disturb the balance of naval power in the region. We need to ensure that this balance is redressed and naval power is not concentrated in any one center in [the Indian Ocean region]. We are taking steps to achieve that, but at the same time we, being located astride a global energy highway, are also required to play a pivotal role in ensuring maritime security and stability of the northwest part of the region. Pakistan is thus torn between redressing an unprecedented naval buildup, as well as ensuring maritime security. To cope with these dual yet tremendously challenging propositions on either flanks of Pakistan at a time when we are passing through difficult financial times is the most pressing issue I face today.

Q. With Pakistan’s troubled economy, how is the Navy continuing to finance its operations and acquisitions? It no longer seems that Pakistan will be looking to acquire surplus warships, like additional Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates.

A. It’s true that our economy is not in a healthy state at the moment, but considering the precarious security environment in our region and its impact on Pakistan, the government has not carried out cuts in any field of defense, including the Navy. I therefore don’t think that our future acquisition programs will suffer due to budgetary constraints. With regards to the Oliver Hazard Perry acquisition, the program is not being financed through our national funding. Rather, it falls under the U.S.-sponsored Foreign Military Financing Program, and it remains on course. As of now, we have visibility of four more Oliver Hazard Perry ships to be supplied to the Navy in 2013 and 2014 in batches of two each.

Q. A strategic threat from India has been cited in plans for the Navy’s expansion, but if this also means a manpower increase, as well as the number of hulls in the water, how will you meet these costs? Would the incremental replacement of existing manpower-intensive systems allow this to happen, or will you have to seek a budget increase?

A. I have alluded to the massive Indian naval buildup, but let me clarify that we can neither afford nor do we plan to match it in terms of numerical strength, be it the number of PN personnel or PN platforms. We have our own employment strategy, and we are developing our strength and hardware to enable successful manifestation of this strategy. It is not exclusively Indo-centric. It is essentially based on achieving certain capabilities that we hope will help us deliver in the hour of need.

Q. One of the most high-profile acquisition programs of your predecessor’s tenure was the next-generation submarine. Can you expand on reports of a Chinese submarine design being selected, and comment on whether the HDW Type-214 may still see service with Pakistan as a replacement for the Agosta-70s?

A. Submarines all along have been our main strength and at the heart of our naval strategy of offensive sea denial. Over the years, the strength of our submarines has dwindled due to aging. Our primary consideration is to acquire modern and potent submarines. All options, including submarines of the West, as well as China, are under deliberation, though no decision has been taken as yet.

Q. Long-standing plans include the expansion of the shipbuilding industry but also to diversify construction locations away from Karachi to places like Gwadar and Ormara. Where do these plans stand?

A. Our long-term plan is to have two major shipbuilding and repair yards at Port Bin Qasim in the east and Gwadar in the west. In addition, we have a strategic plan to develop this rich but hitherto untapped segment of our maritime sector. To realize the same, we have a high-level shipbuilding task force formed under the aegis of [the Ministry of Defence Production].

Q. How do you plan to replace the P-3C Orions destroyed by terrorists last year? And what else can we expect from the Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft procurement efforts? Have you examined any Chinese options, such as the H-6K or Y-8Q? And is any thought being given to replacing your elderly Westland Sea King helicopters yet?

A. Despite the loss of two P-3Cs during the unfortunate attack on [Pakistan Naval Station] Mehran last year, our maritime surveillance capability remains intact and we can well manage our operational requirements. Nevertheless, we have initiated the process for the replacement of the destroyed aircraft from the U.S. and remain hopeful of a positive outcome. You must appreciate that the P-3C is designed for long-range surveillance. Deploying this aircraft continuously for routine surveillance in peacetime is not only uneconomical; it actually amounts to its underutilization. We are thus maintaining smaller and cheaper maritime patrol aircraft — i.e., FK-27S —which fulfills our day-to-day operational needs. Apart from that, we are considering a range of other surveillance aircraft, including Chinese options.

With regard to our Sea King helos, we have signed the Mid Life Upgrade Program, under which a new and modern avionics suite and sensors will be fitted onboard, making them a more potent and capable aerial platform.

Q. The effectiveness of the small number of Exocet-equipped anti-ship strike Mirage-5 aircraft is now surely questionable. What do you intend to replace them with? And is there a case for having these Pakistan Air Force aircraft under naval control?

A. PAF Mirage aircraft equipped with missiles are effective [anti-shipping strike] platforms. The PN and PAF have put in place an efficient mechanism for their optimum deployment, which is why we don’t feel the need to place them under PN control. There are plans to replace the systems which become obsolete or are no longer operationally effective.

Q. Later this decade, you will face an Indian nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed ballistic submarine that threatens the current strategic balance in South Asia. How do you intend to respond?

A. The strategic dimension of India’s naval buildup is a cause of concern not only for us but for the entire Indian Ocean region. I feel nuclearization of the Indian Ocean does not augur well for peace and stability in the region. We are mindful of this development and taking necessary measures to restore the strategic balance.

Q. Your predecessors have spoken about further new-build warships. Can we expect more orders for the F-22P frigate, or perhaps the heavier Type-054A Jiankai-II? What about your Turkish-designed corvette program. Has that been abandoned?

A. Contemporary maritime warfare has increased and diversified the roles of surface ships manifold, thus making them indispensable for any navy. The Pakistan Navy, being incessantly engaged in maritime security, counterterrorism and anti-piracy operations, is still short of surface ships to meet the growing requirements. We feel that despite addition of four F-22P frigates and planned induction of U.S. OHP-class frigates, our force structure in terms of surface ships would still be deficient. We are thus evaluating various options, including corvette-sized ships to meet the shortfall.

Q. There have been long-standing plans to increase security in the coastal/littoral environments. What are your current and future plans for Pakistan Navy Marines and the Maritime Safety Agency?

A. Coastal and port security remains a high-priority area for the Pakistan Navy, and we are making concerted efforts in this direction. PN is actively pursuing the formation of a Joint Maritime Information Organization. In Pakistan, a whole host of agencies working under different ministries are in one way or the other concerned with maritime security. This, at times, leads to information blockage and duplication of efforts, resulting in uncoordinated response to challenges in the maritime arena. We are pursuing this inter-ministerial and inter-agency body, which will bring more synergy in our efforts and become an assured guarantor of our port and coastal security.

PN Marines have a wide variety of roles to perform, but most importantly, they are entrusted with the defense of the Creeks area [which is part of the disputed Indo-Pakistani maritime border]. For this purpose, we have equipped them with special craft and assault boats to add to their mobility and firepower in support of their operational plans.

DU.

 

[fatman17]

Pakistan’s new frigates a boost for anti-piracy, maritime security efforts


Written by Guy Martin

Thursday, 08 November 2012 21:06



The Pakistan Navy will next year take delivery of its fourth and final F-22P frigate. The locally built vessel will help it ensure maritime security, not just for Pakistan but also for the international community as the Pakistan Navy combats piracy and other threats in the Indian Ocean region.

Commodore Hisham of the Pakistan Navy, speaking at the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) in Karachi today, said that Pakistan’s Navy has been part of Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) since January 2009 in an effort to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

CTF 151 is an international naval task force that operates in the Gulf of Aden and off the eastern coast of Somalia covering an area of approximately 1.1 million square miles. It was established in January 2009 to conduct counterpiracy operations under a mission-based mandate throughout the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) area of responsibility.

Pakistan has from the beginning participated in CTF-151 and so far has rotated 13 ships in the Task Force and commanded it twice. In December the Pakistan Navy will take command for a third time.

With the advent of pirates using hijacked mother ships from which to launch attack skiffs, piracy has expanded far beyond the Somali coast. Pirates have struck as far as the western coast of India, the Somali Basin and close to Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Indeed, Hisham noted that there have been three incidences of piracy on the edge of Pakistan’s EEZ in recent times.

Hisham said that Somali piracy has strategic fallout which includes disruption of trade, a rise in insurance premiums and freight charges and altered routes as shipping companies avoid high risk areas.

Hisham pointed out that terrorists and pirates operate hand-in-glove, as money made through piracy is used to further terrorist activities ashore, which distracts from activity at sea.

Apart from counter-piracy duties, the Pakistan Navy is also part of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150), a multinational coalition naval task force working under the 25 nation coalition of Combined Maritime Forces. It was established to promote maritime security in order to counter terrorist acts and related illegal activities, which terrorists use to fund or conceal their movements. CTF-150‘s Area of Operation covers the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman.

The activities of CTF-150 directly influence events ashore, as terrorist organisations are denied a risk free method of conducting operations or moving personnel, weapons or income-generating narcotics.

Pakistan has five times commanded the Combined Task Force 150 since 2004. Hisham noted that the Pakistan Navy’s contribution to regional maritime security has involved 44 ships in rotation since 2004, which have accumulated more than 50 000 hours at sea. Pakistan Navy ships have had the second highest on-task time in the coalition second only to the United States.

Pakistan’s ability to provide maritime security is being increased with the arrival of its four new F-22P or Zulfiquar class multi-purpose frigates, the first of which was commissioned in September 2009. The Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group, China State Shipbuilding Company, the China Shipbuilding and Trading Company and Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) are all involved in the production of the vessels.

The first three frigates were built in China at the Hudong Zhonghau Shipyard, while the last vessel is being built by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works. The class carry Harbin Z-9 helicopters and are armed with a 76 mm gun, 30 mm Type 730B close-in weapons systems, FM-90N surface-to-air missiles, C-802 surface-to-surface missiles, ET-52C torpedoes and RDC-32 anti-submarine rockets.

The fourth frigate was launched in June last year at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works. During the launch ceremony the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir said that a strong navy was needed to defend the maritime interests of Pakistan. He said that the country does not have any aggressive plans but needed to protect sea routes, the exclusive economic zone and international energy lines that pass close to the coast. He said this was not only in the interest of Pakistan but the entire international community.

DW

 

[Penguin]

India’s Current Submarine Force, and Rival Navies


Pakistan currently owns 8 submarines. They acquired 4 French Daphne submarines (Hangor Class) and 2 French Agosta 70 submarines (Hashmat Class) from the French Navy during the 1970s, and modified the submarines to fire Harpoon missiles in 1985

. Two updated Agosta 90Bs (Khalid Class) are also in service, and were commissioned in 1999 and 2003 respectively. The third submarine will add a MESMA AIP, and the other two Agosta 90Bs may be refitted for the propulasion system later.

Two of Pakistan’s Hangor Class are due for decommissioning soon, and the age of the Daphnes and Agosta-70s will make maintaining their current submarine force level a challenge.

8 subs.... yes, but as follows

halid
PNS/M Khalid 6 September 1999 France
PNS/M Saad 13 December 2003 France Pakistan
PNS/M Hamza 26 September 2008 France Pakistan

Hashmat
PNS/M Hasmat 19 February 1979 France
PNS/M Hurmat 18 February 1980

Midgets
X-Craft 1985 Italy Pakistan
X-Craft 908B 1985
MG 110 Submarine

 

[Saffi]

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