13 September 2004	Monday	27 Rajab 1425

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KARACHI, Sept 12: The under-construction 'Fast Attack Missile Craft' for Pakistan Navy will be launched here on Monday.

The launching of the craft would be another important landmark of the indigenous construction programme and symbolizes a quantum leap towards the national policy of self-reliance in meeting national defence requirements, said an ISPR press release issued here on Sunday.

The missile craft being constructed at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works, is part of the transfer of technology contract singed with M/s MARSUN of Thailand. It is a highly sophisticated vessel, intricate in construction and design.

The craft would be fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including electronic warfare systems and fire control radar, and would have a speed of more than 30 knots with maximum displacement of 250 tons.

The vessel's hull is made of steel and aluminium alloy and the superstructure built in a non-conventional manner with advanced methodologies. The craft would be capable of launching surface-to-surface missiles and anti-aircraft attack and would be extremely suitable for shallow water operations.

After the launching of the craft, the press release said, Pakistan's seaward defence would be strengthened, and such indigenous construction and addition of combat platform would considerably help reduce the conventional imbalance between the regional navies.

The construction of such craft at the Karachi Shipyard under the transfer of technology contract would enhance its share in naval construction and contribute to the acquisition and development of defence production techniques. -APP