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

[khanasifm]

On a closer look AK/630 has radar as well as electroptics ie dual mode guidance

 

[syed_yusuf]

is the 4th one every officially inducted to the navy?

 

[aziqbal]

we should build a 5th and 6th

 

[syed_yusuf]

What happened to the 4th on was it ever build

5th and 6th looks like 10 years away

 

[Bilal Khan (Quwa)]

What happened to the 4th on was it ever build

5th and 6th looks like 10 years away

The 4th one is taking a longer time because MTC and KSEW are apparently building it on their own. This isn't to say it's indigenous, but rather, MTC/KSEW are trying to build knowledge on ship design, construction and integration on their own without the help of a foreign naval solutions company. The idea is that in the future MTC/KSEW can offer their own FAC design (albeit with a mix of foreign and local components).

 

[Tank131]

The 4th one is taking a longer time because MTC and KSEW are apparently building it on their own. This isn't to say it's indigenous, but rather, MTC/KSEW are trying to build knowledge on ship design, construction and integration on their own without the help of a foreign naval solutions company. The idea is that in the future MTC/KSEW can offer their own FAC design (albeit with a mix of foreign and local components).

Any time line that you kmow of for its completion? And shouldn't they already have gone through the learning process under the watchful eye of CSSC? What are they changing that they it is taking this long? Because this bodes poorly for MILGEM being constructed in Pakistan in any reasonable time frame amd could explain why the 3rd amd 4th 054A/P are now being built in China.

 

[Affanakad0t.]

4th one?

 

[syed_yusuf]

that is type21 frigate

 

[Affanakad0t.]

that is type21 frigate

Ohh. So the other one in next dockyard is azmat class?

 

[khanasifm]

Ohh. So the other one in next dockyard is azmat class?

Type 21 is about 123m so the smaller one as fav is ~60 m if I am not mistaken

 

[Affanakad0t.]

Type 21 is about 123m so the smaller one as fav is ~60 m if I am not mistaken

Yes. You are right. But what is adjecent to type 21. Its smaller than type 21 and type 21 is the smallest frigate pakistan pakistan has ( length wise )

 

[FuturePAF]

considering an AK-630 was placed aft, should the Forward Dual Machine Guns be replaced with either the Kashtan-M or the FL-3000N. If the Ship can provide local air defense for itself, it can operate further out in a task force and be have more of an independence of action in the fog of war. The FL-3000N need not be the full 24 cell version, but even a smaller number of cells can still provide a formidable defense if the missiles are upgraded to match the threats the ship will face.

I would want to go with the 15 cell variant, but the 8 cell one is deployed on the Type 56 Corvette in the Chinese navy, and that may be a great compromise to keep costs down and still field a decent defense. If coupled with a decent Aesa Radar, it can be a whole order more lethal; employing EW and being able to detect enemy threats as soon as they can be seen over the radar horizon, allowing air defense missiles to be employed against subsonic and supersonic threats ASAP. Considering Pakistan is building up domestic AESA Radar production capabilities, this would be a perfect platform to test it on, and off for sale to friendly nations.

With just the addition of a decent AESA radar, these small ships can operate as picket ships, well in advance of the main force, and act as scouts; allowing the large vessels and naval aircraft to employ the best tactics to get the job done. Remember with modern data-link, these ships can provide data that can be used by the larger ships to not only search and track targets, but even guide them to a successful engagement. the follow videos demonstrate a good deal of these capabilities.

 

[Pakistan Ka Beta]

Pakistan Navy's FAC(M)-4. Photo Source: Associated Press of Pakistan (APP)
Daily News
Nov 27, 2019 Bilal Khan -
PAKISTAN’S KSEW LAUNCHES FOURTH FAST ATTACK CRAFT (MISSILE)
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Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) launched the Pakistan Navy’s (PN) fourth Azmat-class fast attack craft (missile) – or FAC(M) – on 27 November 2019.

The launch comes after nearly three years of construction, with KSEW cutting FAC(M)-4’s steel in January 2017. In contrast, FAC(M)-3 (PNS Himmat) took 24 months from its steel-cutting ceremony to launch.

Unlike the three previous FAC(M)s, the PN had stated that FAC(M)-4 was “first indigenous design.” The Pakistan Ministry of Defence Production’s (MoDP) yearbook for 2017-2018 also stated that FAC(M)-4 was being built “without seeking foreign technical expertise.”

Thus, the longer construction period of FAC(M)-4 could be the result of KSEW trying to construct the ship without the main original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) technical documentation. Likewise, FAC(M)-4 also bears multiple differences in its superstructure compared to the preceding three ships.


Source: KSEW























KSEW’s illustration of FAC(M)-4 indicates that the PN will equip it along similar lines as FAC(M)-3, i.e., PNS Himmat, especially in terms of including the Harbah or Improved Harbah anti-ship cruising missile (ASCM).

FAC(M)-4’s specifications are as follows (source: KSEW):

• Length: 63 m
• Breadth: 8.8 m
• Draught: 2.46 m
• Displacement: 560 tons
• Maximum Speed: 30 knots
• Range: 1,000 nautical miles

FAC(M)-4 relies on combined diesel-and-diesel (CODAD) for propulsion. In addition to ASCMs (configured in a dual triple-cell system), the FAC(M)-4 will be equipped with a 25 mm gun, close-in-weapons-system (CIWS), and various sensors, including a surface search and tracking radar.

For More Information on the Pakistan Navy, Check Out:

• Pakistan’s New Supersonic Missiles Should Work From FACs
• Pakistan Navy Tests Dual Anti-Ship and Land-Attack Cruise Missile
• Analysis: Pakistan’s Type 054A/P Frigate Acquisition

Notes & Comments:

Pakistan’s efforts at constructing FAC(M)-4 with limited foreign support could be an indication of it looking at further indigenous ship design and shipbuilding efforts. Interestingly, in 2016 the PN reportedly issued a requirement for an additional four to six FACs. It could roll its localization drive with the follow-on order.

However, it would be advisable for the PN to look at evolving its FAC requirements. Though the FAC(M) is equipped with credible anti-ship and land-attack capabilities through the Harbah, other ship designers are incorporating anti-air warfare (AAW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities to their FACs.

For example, Fincantieri is offering its Falaj 2 FAC design (to the United Arab Emirates) with a dual triple-cell vertical launch system (VLS) loaded with MBDA MICA-VL SAMs (which offer a range of 20 km). Though the Falaj 2 adds AAW at the apparent cost of a lighter ASCM load (four missiles), the Falaj 2’s specifications are similar to the FAC(M), e.g., the displacement is 520 tons and length is 55 m.

Equipping FACs with SAMs could position them as short-range air defence (SHORAD) assets at sea, which could help dealing with intrusive drones or low-flying helicopters. It could potentially offer these FACs a measure of defensibility against oncoming ASCMs.

Ultimately, sub-600-ton FACs with complete multi-mission capabilities will become more common in the future. It could serve the PN well to consider those shifts (as it had with when configuring the MILGEM).

https://quwa.org/2019/11/27/pakistans-ksew-launches-fourth-fast-attack-craft-missile/

 

[FuturePAF]

Evolving the Azmat design could be key to Pakistan exporting Ships to other nations. In a similar manner to the JF-17, a small but affordable modern solution will allow many nations on a tight budget to utilize modern technologies to leverage these key vessels to their full capacity.

Also, I have been thinking about how this design could evolve, without having to modify the hull design by much, but adding these capabilities Bilal Khan @Quwa has mentioned.

Placing a 15 cell FL-3000N launcher on top of the bridge maybe a better location, if an integrated mast can replace the current mast and other antennas spread on top of the ship.

Similar to the Ram Launcher on top of the bridge on this South Korean Frigate
https://www.navyrecognition.com/ima...frigate_FFX_ROK_Navy_South_Korea_Navy_top.jpg
An integrated mast similar to the Gowind Corvette designs from France
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d3/Egyptian_Navy_Gowind_corvette_El_Fateh_(971).jpg

The Main gun should be similar to the 40 mm Bofor option, which will allow another system that can use smart ammunition to engage different kinds of threats

A small hull mounted sonar, triple torpedo launchers on each side of the ship and a towed array can allow these ships to have limited ASW capabilities

Finally the addition of a smart Drone Helicopter system that can be launched and recovered from just above the fantail; into a smart docking system will open up the possibility to employ tactics and weapons, only large ships consider. ASW, a small early warning helicopter, anti-piracy operations, anti-ship, coast guard, search and rescue, and more.

http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/view/attachement/jpeg/site2/20190403/8cdcd42dcac31e0e465908.jpeg

 

[Zulfiqar]

Evolving the Azmat design could be key to Pakistan exporting Ships to other nations. In a similar manner to the JF-17, a small but affordable modern solution will allow many nations on a tight budget to utilize modern technologies to leverage these key vessels to their full capacity.

Also, I have been thinking about how this design could evolve, without having to modify the hull design by much, but adding these capabilities Bilal Khan @Quwa has mentioned.

Placing a 15 cell FL-3000N launcher on top of the bridge maybe a better location, if an integrated mast can replace the current mast and other antennas spread on top of the ship.

Similar to the Ram Launcher on top of the bridge on this South Korean Frigate
https://www.navyrecognition.com/ima...frigate_FFX_ROK_Navy_South_Korea_Navy_top.jpg
An integrated mast similar to the Gowind Corvette designs from France
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d3/Egyptian_Navy_Gowind_corvette_El_Fateh_(971).jpg

The Main gun should be similar to the 40 mm Bofor option, which will allow another system that can use smart ammunition to engage different kinds of threats

A small hull mounted sonar, triple torpedo launchers on each side of the ship and a towed array can allow these ships to have limited ASW capabilities

Finally the addition of a smart Drone Helicopter system that can be launched and recovered from just above the fantail; into a smart docking system will open up the possibility to employ tactics and weapons, only large ships consider. ASW, a small early warning helicopter, anti-piracy operations, anti-ship, coast guard, search and rescue, and more.

http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/view/attachement/jpeg/site2/20190403/8cdcd42dcac31e0e465908.jpeg

There is not much space available for added stuff. PN would have to extend the hull design and build a new ship with higher displacement.