Naval strength to be increased, says Admiral Noman
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
By Muhammad Anis
ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir on Tuesday maintained that the strength of Pakistan Navy would be enhanced by critically analysing challenges being faced by the country to protect its maritime interests.
“My first priority is to critically analyse all the challenges being faced by the Pakistan Navy to make it even stronger for peace and war,” Naval Chief Admiral Noman Bashir said at the change of command ceremony held here at the Naval Headquarters.
The outgoing naval chief Muhammad Afzal Tahir handed over the command of the Pakistan Navy to his successor Admiral Noman Bashir for next three years. The impressive ceremony was also witnessed by retired naval chiefs, senior officers of the Pakistan Navy and some senior bureaucrats.
Admiral Noman Bashir said the Pakistan Navy was well prepared and equipped to protect the country’s interests in peace and was ready to meet the challenge of war, if it was imposed. “We do not want war but if it is imposed, we are ready to meet the challenge,” he said.
The newly-appointed naval chief pointed out that there were different powers present in the region and Pakistan Navy also needed to show its presence. “I am not saying that we are large in size but we are a balanced navy and need to further enhance its strength,” Admiral Nomal Bashir said.
He said the primary objective before him was that the Pakistan Navy should maintain optimum operational preparedness for all the times. He said despite all financial constraints at national level, the navy was steered well through the turbulent waters and was transformed into a professional and potent force to defend maritime interests of Pakistan.
He observed that despite numerous challenges, Pakistan Navy made significant progress under the command of Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir. The outgoing naval chief said that the
Pakistan Navy pursued acquisition of major sub-surface, surface and aviation platforms in the last three years. “Owing to our persistent efforts, the government has approved plans for acquisition of German 214 Class submarines to be built at Karachi Shipyard under transfer of technology programme."
He said the Naval Air Arm was being strengthened by acquisition of upgraded P3C Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft from the US.
Under this programme, the Pakistan Navy would start having fleet of nine upgraded and modified P3C aircraft towards the end of year 2009.
on-board this variant of the Type 214 will be known as the Type 214TN
