ISLAMABAD, April 6: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Shahid Karimullah on Wednesday said that China would transfer technology to Pakistan for manufacturing of F-22P Frigates. “This project will play a pivotal role in taking the already existing bond of friendship between two countries to new heights,” said the Naval chief after a meeting with a Chinese ship-building corporation team at the Naval Headquarters (NHQ).

Admiral Karimullah said in the present-day complex maritime scenario, surface combat platforms play the key role of the main artery, and the induction of F-22P frigates in the Pakistan Navy will significantly augment the existing surface fleet coupled with the transfer of the technology advantage.

“The F-22P frigate project, while contributing significantly to maritime defence of the country, will also add a new dimension to China-Pakistan collaboration in the defence field,” he said.

During the meeting between the Chinese team and the Naval chief, the discussion remained focused on building of four state-of-the-art F-22P Frigates in China with special emphasis on transfer of technology to Pakistan to facilitate indigenous construction and to ensure positive participation of the local industry in the project. With regard to the indigenous construction of the ship, up-gradation of the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works with new machinery and requisite infrastructure and Chinese support in ship design, construction and test trials was also discussed. The concept of availability, reliability and maintainability (ARM) and life-support cycle was also deliberated upon. Technical and operational training, which forms an important part of the project, was deliberated upon.

The NHQ said the contract is the first of its kind as the Pakistan Navy for the first time will be constructing and purchasing ships of this size in collaboration with China. This project itself is magnanimous which includes all aspects of additional support required for ship design, construction, tests and trials, ammunition, six organic helicopters and spare parts.

The NHQ said the F-22P frigates have evolved from the existing design of latest Chinese frigates with modifications and customization to meet Pakistan Navy’s requirements. The ship has good manoeuvrability and survivability characteristics with an effective offensive punch. The ship design also adopts stealth features to minimize its detection and enhance the combat capability.

The NHQ said the combat system of F-22P ships features various sensors for surveillance and detection of surface, sub-surface, and air contacts and corresponding engagement weapon systems. All the sensors and weapons are integrated through a command and control network, which is also supported by the navigation, communication and ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore data link networks.

The NHQ said the F-22P is capable of operating independently or as part of a task force in a multi-threat scenario. It is also capable of operating in areas contaminated with nuclear, biological and chemical agents. The frigate is well equipped for anti-submarine, anti-surface and anti-air warfare as well as self-defence capabilities. To add to its capabilities, the ship is embarked with helicopters to conduct anti-submarine operations. The presence of these helicopters will enhance the ship’s operational range in searching, detecting and attacking the submarine.

The NHQ said the signing of the contract for F-22P project is a landmark event for the Pakistan Navy and for those to follow.