KARACHI: The induction ceremony of the fifth ATR aircraft of the Pakistan Navy was held at the naval aviation base, PNS Mehran, here on Tuesday.

The newly inducted ATR aircraft, acquired from the Pakistan International Airlines, is equipped with day and night flying capability to undertake ferry, logistics support, medical evacuation, general evacuation and training missions.

The navy is in the process of acquiring ATR aircraft from various sources and is modernising them to carryout maritime reconnaissance and antisubmarine warfare missions at sea, said a press release.

Being a commercial aircraft it has very low operating cost as compared to tailor-made military aircraft.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted the importance of the evolving geo-strategic environment in the Indian Ocean region and emphasised the need to have a potent naval force in order to counter emerging challenges.

He underlined the significance of a strong maritime defence for Pakistan and reiterated that induction of modern aircraft will enhance the navy’s capability of safeguarding maritime frontiers.

Earlier, during his welcome address, Pakistan Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Mohammad Faisal Abbasi highlighted that the induction of ATR aircraft would ensure sustained operations from western seaboard through regular logistics and personnel movements.

Later, the naval chief handed over the ATR documents to the vice admiral.

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2023