KARACHI, April 17: An F-22P frigate indigenously built at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Limited was inducted into the Pakistan Navy fleet on Wednesday.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila was the chief guest at a ceremony held for the commissioning of PNS Aslat. Besides senior officers, dignitaries from China and Pakistan, including the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China and vice president of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), attended the ceremony, said a Pakistan Navy press release.

It added that the commissioning of PNS Aslat into Pakistan Navy’s fleet completed the contract signed in 2005 for the construction of three F-22P ships in China and transfer of technology for indigenous construction of a fourth ship at Karachi Shipyard.

The timely and successful delivery of all ships, including the indigenously built fourth ship, speaks volumes of cooperation and commitment of CSTC/HZ shipyard, Karachi shipyard and naval headquarters.

PNS Aslat is fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors that make it a highly potent platform capable to operate under multi-threat environment.

Inclusion of this unit in PN’s Destroyer Squadron shall further strengthen and augment its capabilities to defend the sea frontiers.

The chief guest congratulated all those who participated in the project, especially workers and management of the KS&EW and Chinese engineers and technicians for their untiring efforts.

The PNS Aslat construction has certainly enhanced the capabilities of Karachi shipyard in the indigenous construction of warships, not only for Pakistan Navy but for other navies of the region, the press release said.

Construction of warship and other platforms such as fast attack craft (missile), small tanker-cum-utility ships and tugs at the Karachi shipyard reflects the government policy of attaining self-reliance in defence capabilities.—APP