The conflicting interests of great powers are gradually transforming the Indo-Pacific as a competing ground for global hegemony. Located at the periphery of the Indo-Pacific, Pakistan is inadvertently influenced by these developments. Similarly, assertive naval build-up by the Indian Navy (IN) is complicating regional strategic stability and creating a new set of security challenges in the maritime domain. There is a growing need to expand and strengthen the Pakistan Navy’s (PN) operational capabilities to restore the balance and deter India’s hegemonic ambitions. Thus, the PN is undertaking a comprehensive modernisation program to expand its outreach and upgrade its combat capabilities in all spectrums of naval warfare.

In 2017-18, the Pakistan Navy (PN) signed a contract for procuring four Type-054A/P frigates from China Shipbuilding Trading Company Ltd. (CSTC). Type-054A Jiangkai-II class frigates are the workhorses of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). With 32 warships operational and more ships planned, Type-054 constitutes the backbone of PLAN’s surface fleet. Evidently, by opting for Type-054A/P frigates, PN leveraged to its advantage the economics-of-scale China has built for its naval requirements. All four warships were constructed by the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai, China. From contract signing to delivery, the shipyard took a mere five years to materialise the order of all four ships. The timely delivery of these modern warships ushers a new chapter in Sino-Pak cooperation in the naval domain.

The first ship, designated PNS Tughril, was commissioned on November 08, 2021. PNS Taimur (266), the second ship, was inducted into the PN service on June 23, 2022. The third and fourth ships, named PNS Tippu Sultan (FF-263) and PNS Shah Jahan (FFG-264), were simultaneously commissioned on May 10, 2023. For PN, these warships are front-line combatants and, therefore, have been tailored to meet PN-specific demands. In fact, Type-054A/P frigates are more advanced than their Chinese counterparts.

The procurement of Type-54 A/P frigates from China, after inductions of F-22P frigates and Azmat class missile boats, represents a continuation of Sino-Pak naval cooperation.

Displacing more than 4,000 tons at full load, these multi-mission warships are equipped with a wide range of weapon systems, sensory suites, defensive countermeasures, and other subsystems. Powered by 4x Pielstick 16PA6V-280STC diesel engines, the ships can achieve a maximum speed of 28 knots. This Combined Diesel and Diesel (COCAD) propulsion system provides an impressive range of over 4000 NMI. The longer range allows these warships to operate farther from the shore and remain on station for extended periods.

Type-054A frigates have stealth layout and thus lower radar cross-section (RCS). These frigates represent a balanced combination of offensive and defensive capabilities. These multi-mission warships can engage a variety of targets in aerial, surface and sub-surface domains. For Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), these warships are equipped with cruise missiles and one 76mm H/PJ-26 DP gun. The type of missile varies depending on operational requirements. For example, PLAN Type-054A frigates are armed with eight YJ-83A subsonic AShMs. In contrast, PN’s Type-054A/P frigates have been equipped with CM-302 supersonic AShMs in dual 2-cell configuration.

LY-80N medium-range surface-to-air missiles (SAM), incorporated in a 32-cell vertical launch system (VLS), provide air defence coverage for more than 40 km. PN’s Type-054AP frigates are integrated with 2x Type-1130 CIWS, which provides superior point-defence capability than the previous generation Type-730 CIWS. Anti-Submarine warfare (ASW) capability is granted by 2x triple 324mm torpedo tubes and 2x ASROCs (Anti-Submarine Rockets) system. Additionally, the VLS of a ship can also host YU-8 rocket-assisted lightweight torpedoes for longer-range sub-surface engagement. Flight deck and hanger support Z-9C/D helicopter provides ASW and ASuW capability in conjunction with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and combat search and rescue (CSAR) duties.

Type-054A/P frigates have added a new set of capabilities to the surface combat fleet of Pakistan. In brief, four major areas can be highlighted. First, Type-054A/P frigates are equipped with a 32-cell H/AKJ-16 vertical launch system (VLS). These VLS tubes support air defence missiles and tube-launched torpedoes.  With a superior rate of fire, modularity, and higher operational readiness, the VLS system is far more efficient than traditional SAM launchers in service with existing PN warships.

Second, these vessels are armed with LY-80N medium-range air defence missiles providing a range of over 40 km. These missiles, equipped with a semi-active seeker, will provide an extended targeting envelope to Pakistan’s surface fleet. LY-80N missiles have a higher interception rate and can neutralise a variety of airborne threats, including aircraft and missiles. Previously, the PN surface fleet only carried short-range air defence missiles, which were inadequate to reliable counter enemy aerial assets.

Third, Type-054A/P warships are integrated with SR-2410C 3-D multifunction electronically scanned array (MF-ESA) radar, which can track 150 aerial and surface targets at 250 km range. This advanced radar is highly resistant to electronic jamming and suppression and is a generation ahead of any system currently operational with a PN warship.

Finally, PN’s Type-054A/P vessels have been specifically modified to carry four CM-302 supersonic cruise missiles. These missiles are located in canisters placed at mid-ship. CM-302 missile utilises ramjet propulsion to cruise at sub-sonic speed and achieve Mach 3 speed in the terminal phase. ­­With the longer range, sea-skimming capability and high-supersonic terminal dash, these missiles will grant PN stand-off strike potential with superior air-defence penetration capability.

The procurement of Type-54 A/P frigates from China, after inductions of F-22P frigates and Azmat class missile boats, represents a continuation of Sino-Pak naval cooperation. The commissioning of four Type-54 A/P frigates in the Pakistan Navy in a rather short period has led to a substantial increment in combat potential. To date, Pakistan is the sole foreign operator of this frigate class. These modern multi-mission warships will strengthen PN’s surface warship fleet, which, in turn, will contribute to safeguarding national maritime interests, securing sea lanes, and deterring potential threats from adversaries.