Naval Weapons
Pakistan conducts firing of cruise missile from Azmat-class boat
Ridzwan Rahmat - Jane's Navy International
03 January 2018
PNS Himmat firing the ‘Harbah’ naval cruise missile in January 2018. Source: Pakistan Navy
Key Points
- Pakistan has launched a new type of cruise missile from its latest Azmat-class vessel
- Event further demonstrates the platform’s range of anti-surface capabilities
The Pakistan Navy has launched what appears to be a shipborne variant of an indigenously developed cruise missile from its latest Azmat-class patrol craft, PNS
Himmat (1027).
The weapon, which has been referred to by the service’s chief of naval staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, as the ‘Harbah’ naval cruise missile, was fired on 3 January in the North Arabian Sea.
The missile was said to have hit its intended target accurately, but no further details were available, including its distance from
Himmat . Adm Zafar and other senior naval officers witnessed the weapon’s launch from onboard the service’s Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, PNS
Alamgir .
Himmat , which is the Pakistan Navy’s third Azmat-class boat, was commissioned in July 2017. The 63 m platform derives its design from the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN’s) Houjian (Type 037/2)-class missile boat design.
Weapons onboard the 63 m boat includes eight (two quad) launchers that are also capable of deploying the C-802A surface-to-surface missile.
Himmat is also equipped with the 25 mm STOP remote controlled stabilised naval gun from Turkish defence company Aselsan, and a Type 630 30 mm close-in weapon system (CIWS) in the aft section.