PNS Azmat Class - Fast Attack Missile Craft | Updates & Discussions.

[Armstrong]

Yep, noted that in the other thread on F22P


In fact, Azmat has an equal number but better SSMs than Zulfiquar (F22P) does.

So Penguin 'value-for-money' wise would you rate the Azmat class 'high, medium or low' ? Assuming that such a rating is possible !

By the way I was thinking about 'the JF-17' when I used the term 'value-for-money' !

 

[Arsalan]

it lacks speed, 30 32 knots is a bit low for FAC!
however, for weapon load, it have the capability to deliver what it is meant for, ANTI SHIP MISSILE,
it carries 8 C-802 missiles that are reported to be improved version then the F-22p frigates. it is a FAC and not meant to carry heavy air defence equipment.
in my view, it do carry the punch it was designed to deliver, BUT, the speed is slow for an FAC!

 

[Penguin]

High: most of its work will be patrolling during peace time conditions, for which is it quite suitable. It can also perform a usefull coastal defence role during wartime: posing a threat to any enemy ships attempting to approach Pakistan's coast, while patrolling the coast under air force cover and maintaining EMCON (using her own ESM and receiving target data from other assets) thus maximizing her strengths e.g. stealthy design. Passive detection ranges tend to be better than active detection ranges. It won't have to go out hunting to be usefull, hence the relatively low speed of 30kn (which still is 55km/h!) isn't an issue: if she comes across anything significantly faster then there are jets and helicopters to deal with that.

 

[Arsalan]

High: most of its work will be patrolling during peace time conditions, for which is it quite suitable. It can also perform a usefull coastal defence role during wartime: posing a threat to any enemy ships attempting to approach Pakistan's coast, while patrolling the coast under air force cover and maintaining EMCON (using her own ESM and receiving target data from other assets) thus maximizing her strengths e.g. stealthy design. Passive detection ranges tend to be better than active detection ranges. It won't have to go out hunting to be usefull, hence the relatively low speed of 30kn (which still is 55km/h!) isn't an issue: if she comes across anything significantly faster then there are jets and helicopters to deal with that.

agreed to an extent,
it lack air defense, no issues, it is not meant for air defense duties and will be fighting under air cover of ground based fighter jets and air defense systems. it is more of a sea denial or what you can say coast defense system them a sea control unit (that is not our doctrine), for this role, it do carry 8 C-802A missiles, well capable of striking enemy ships approaching our sea for a good range.
what i think it lacks is Speed and just speed, an FAC even in coast defense duties need to be fast enough to be a fast attack craft. it should be able to sneak close to enemy, being smaller and stealthier, deliver its fire power, and run back. in defense duties, must be able to report on any point in short time and get ready to face incoming threats.
no doubt 30 knots is NOT SLOW for naval ships, but for FAC it is.

all said, i think this is a department that wont effect the performance to an extent to call the ship a dud.
it is a great induction, with great anti ship missiles and stealthier design!

so all in all, i nice move in right direction.

 

[fatman17]

both FAC have been purchased to deploy them in the coastal 'creek' areas to deny the IN similar incursions.

 

[Rafi]

Azmat touring brotherly Hong Kong

 

[S.Y.A]

at least a CIWS for some degree of air defence.....still disappointed with its lack of SPEED and NO AIR DEFENCE.

Azmat touring brotherly Hong Kong

and why no sound except a boring music?

 

[Arsalan]

at least a CIWS for some degree of air defence.....still disappointed with its lack of SPEED and NO AIR DEFENCE.



and why no sound except a boring music?

dear, as many have explained, these FAC are to be deployed near coast to avoid IN incursion and will almost always be working under ground based air defense umbrella of fighter jets and air defense batteries! so lack of air defense is justified. why spend on something that the boat is not meant to do!
for speed, yes! faster speed will help them reach to points where they are required but the lond range anti ship missiles cover that short coming to some extent. these are more of coastal patrol ship with lethal anti ship fire power and good endurance, also able to operate in deeper water unlike old patrol boats!
over all, a good induction to the surface fleet.
remember, for PN, the sea control responsibility of deep water sea denial have always rested with submerged units! Agostas and the rumored Qing will sea more action!

 

[Penguin]

at least a CIWS for some degree of air defence.....still disappointed with its lack of SPEED and NO AIR DEFENCE.

You should note the Chinese Type 022 wave-piercing catamaran has even less armament and is only 6 knots faster. Nonetheless, PLAN currently has 3 flotillas (83 units).

 

[S.Y.A]

dear, as many have explained, these FAC are to be deployed near coast to avoid IN incursion and will almost always be working under ground based air defense umbrella of fighter jets and air defense batteries! so lack of air defense is justified. why spend on something that the boat is not meant to do!
for speed, yes! faster speed will help them reach to points where they are required but the lond range anti ship missiles cover that short coming to some extent. these are more of coastal patrol ship with lethal anti ship fire power and good endurance, also able to operate in deeper water unlike old patrol boats!
over all, a good induction to the surface fleet.
remember, for PN, the sea control responsibility of deep water sea denial have always rested with submerged units! Agostas and the rumored Qing will sea more action!

Pakistan does not have a large airforce, it will already be stretching its resources to the limit during a war, supporting army, air defence, supporting navy....until and unless navy has a substantial air wing, these boats are useless

 

[Penguin]

Pakistan does not have a large airforce, it will already be stretching its resources to the limit during a war, supporting army, air defence, supporting navy....until and unless navy has a substantial air wing, these boats are useless

So? Their intended use is 1) peacetime patrol unit, with 2) secondary wartime role. Not the other way around. By your reasoning even F22P and Type 21s and Perry is useless.

 

[regular]

Nice small craftship, looks very useful in fast and stealthy attacks against the enemies Naval ships during the wartimes.....

 

[S.Y.A]

So? Their intended use is 1) peacetime patrol unit, with 2) secondary wartime role. Not the other way around. By your reasoning even F22P and Type 21s and Perry is useless.

yes they are useless, they wont be able to survive long in any conflict

Nice small craftship, looks very useful in fast and stealthy attacks against the enemies Naval ships during the wartimes.....

it is not fast just stealthy, even a frigate can achieve 30-35 knots

 

[Penguin]

In fact, most frigates and corvettes (excl corvettes that are really FAC-M 'on steroids') do not break the 30 kn barrier.

 

[Rafi]

In fact, most frigates and corvettes (excl corvettes that are really FAC-M 'on steroids') do not break the 30 kn barrier.

Penguin, couldn't Azmat be classified as a OPV, or even a Corvette - it's endurance and creature comforts, ie galley, sleeping quarters are much superior than normal FAC.