Pakistan Navy Inducts Second Type 054A/P Frigate – PNS Taimur
The Pakistan Navy (PN) has taken delivery of its second Type 054A/P multi-mission frigate – PNS Taimur.
The PN commissioned the PNS Taimur in June in with a ceremony in China. The PNS Taimur joins its sister-ship – and lead Type 054A/P frigate – the PNS Tughril, which was inducted in January.
The third and fourth Tughril-class frigates were launched for sea trials in August 2021 and January 2022, respectively. Based on the launch and delivery schedules of the two preceding ships, the PN should receive its final two Type 054A/Ps by early 2023 at the latest.
With a displacement of over 4,000 tons, the Tughril-class frigate is the largest of the PN’s upcoming new-generation warships. The multi-mission platform is capable of anti-ship warfare (AShW), anti-air warfare (AAW), and anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
While fitted with stock Chinese sensors and munitions, the PN’s Type 054A/Ps carry a number of notable differences compared to the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) Type 054A frigates.
For example, the PLAN’s Type 054As are equipped with the standard dual, quad-cell configuration for the YJ-83 subsonic anti-ship cruising missile (ASCM).
In contrast, the Tughril-class frigate is fitted a dual, two-cell missile configuration. The Tughril-class frigate could be armed with a supersonic-cruising ASCM, like the CM-302. The CM-302 (or some other supersonic-cruising ASCM) would also amount of a major capability gain for the PN.
Overall, the Tughril-class frigate is a key piece of the PN’s fleet revitalization and expansion plans. In fact, the PN aims to operate a fleet of around 20 “major surface vessels.”
In addition to the Type 054A/Ps, the Jinnah-class frigate – which will be jointly designed and produced by Turkey and Pakistan – will also serve a central role in the PN’s fleet expansion.
However, China is playing a central role in helping the PN modernize and grow its sub-surface fleet. While the eight new Hangor-class submarines are in a state of limbo due to Germany’s refusal to supply engines, Beijing and Rawalpindi will likely resolve the issue (e.g., use a Chinese engine instead).
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