Islamabad, September 13: The first Chinese-built F-22P frigate for Pakistan navy arrived here in Karachi and took part in the ongoing naval exercises in the Arabian Sea, a navy statement said here today. The ship was welcomed by the PN surface and aviation units conducting exercises. The new ship, which has been named PNS Zulfiquar also participated in its very first naval exercises, which were witnessed by the Commander of Pakistan Fleet, Rear Admiral Asif Sandila yesterday.
After taking part in the exercises, the ship proceeded to Karachi harbour for further tests and trials. PNS Zulfiquar is the first of four ships being built in collaboration with China at Hudong Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai. The second and third ships are also nearing completion and expected to be handed over to Pakistan next year. The fourth ship is under construction at Karachi Shipyard and is to be completed by 2013. F-22P frigate is a Sword class ship equipped with long range surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, depth charges, torpedos, latest automatic 76mm guns, close-in-weapon system, sensors, electronic warfare and advanced command and control system.
—-Agencies