April 12, 2008	Saturday	Rabi-us-Sani 5, 1429

KARACHI, April 11: The Turkish-origin second Multi-Role Tactical Platform (MRTP-33) attack craft, PNS Karrar, was inducted into the Pakistan Navy fleet on Friday, boosting the navy’s capability to defend coastal installations and strengthen its maritime interdiction role especially in the context of a multi-nation coalition force to deal with terrorists at sea.

The ceremony was held at the PN Dockyard, where Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Afzal Tahir was the chief guest.

The 35-metre-long attack craft with maximum speed of 45 knots is the second of the four vessels being acquired from Turkey under an agreement signed by the two countries in June 2006. The first such vessel, PNS Zarrar, was inducted into the Pakistan Navy fleet on Nov 26, 2007.

Many modifications in the internal design of PNS Karrar were carried out to suit PN requirements at the Dockyard. The vessel is fitted with fire-control system and decoys, while the PN is planning to mount the requisite guns and missiles in accordance with its role in coastal defence/offensive operations. The craft, also designated as VBSS (visit, board, search and seize), is designed for fast attacks, maritime interdiction operations, contact probing and protection of coastal installations. It has high stealth characteristics and can carry surface-to-surface missiles and guns.

In his address, Admiral Tahir said several mega projects related to building of ships and ports indicated the country’s rapid growth in the maritime sector. These developments had not only enhanced the economic activity in the coastal areas but also increased the responsibilities of the Pakistan Navy to provide seaward defence, he observed. The availability of these sophisticated platforms to the fleet commander will provide him greater flexibility in execution of his tasks.

He said the near permanent shape of a coalition maritime campaign was an indicator of the unpredictable maritime environment. But this did not allow the lowering of guard, he added.

The chief guest also thanked the Turkish government for providing assistance in strengthening the Pakistan Navy’s defence needs.

Earlier, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (Projects) Rear Admiral Azhar Shamim, in his welcome address, highlighted the significance of the project wherein a number of modifications in the internal design of the boat were carried out to suit PN requirements.

Lieutenant Commander Shafiqur Rahman has been designated first commander of this fleet.

The ceremony was attended by ex-naval chiefs, senior officers of the armed forces, Turkish ambassador Engin Soysal, and foreign delegates.