During the 2018 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS), the Pakistan Navy (PN) laid-out an ambitious long-term strategy encompassing new procurement, improved threat-response capabilities as well as investment in Pakistan’s maritime economy, particularly through shipbuilding.
Fleet Recapitalization & Growth Through Procurement
Since 2015, the PN activated a series of big-ticket procurement contracts, notably from China, Turkey, the Netherlands and (in terms of electronic subsystems) South Africa, Germany and the UK. While it is already sustaining a multi-billion-dollar outlay through existing programs, the PN still has additional purchases on its procurement radar. Outlined below, formal bids for these are expected to be released in 2019.
MILGEM Corvette & Frigate
Inked in July 2018, the PN’s MILGEM purchase from Turkey’s ASFAT A.S. (Military Factories and Shipyards)comprises of three anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvettes and one frigate. The latter, designated Jinnah-class frigate is to be an original design (ostensibly based on the MILGEM) built with ASFAT’s support.
Type 054A Frigate
Inked in June 2018, the PN’s four Type 054A frigates are slated for delivery by 2021. Currently, the PN’s Type 054As are expected to be equipped along similar lines as their People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) counterparts,albeit with export-grade equivalents of the PLAN frigates. No additional details were given.
Hangor Class Submarine
The PN officially disclosed some of the specifications of its forthcoming Hangor-class air-independent propulsion (AIP)-equipped submarines (SSP). As per the Karachi Shipyards & Engineering Works (KSEW), the Hangor SSP has a displacement of 2,800 tons, a length of 76 m, draught of 6.2 m and maximum speed of 10 knots. Interestingly, the Hangor SSP is heavier (2,800 tons vs. 2,550 tons) than the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) S26 and is also apparently slower (10 knots vs. 17 knots).
Neither the PN, KSEW or CSIC explained the reasons behind the differences, though each did acknowledge that the differences were real. In 2016-2017, Quwa had maintained that for the Arabian Sea, an AIP using fuel cells would be the appropriate way forward for the PN. It would keep the Hangor SSP’s acoustic profile low, though at the cost of reduced speed. Unfortunately, Quwa was unable learn about the Hangor’s AIP.
Submarine Rescue & Salvage Vessel
At IDEAS 2018, the PN also formally unveiled its plans for a new submarine rescue and salvage vessel. This was a much-expected step considering that the PN has plans for at least 11 SSPs by 2028. Turkey’s ASFAT A.S. will submit a design based on the Turkish Navy’s TCG Alemdar, but a PN official told Quwa that this is an open bid, i.e., the PN expects other vendors to submit proposals as well.
Gun/Patrol Boats
The PN also has a bid for two new main gun-equipped patrol boats. It did not provide other specifications, but ASFAT is preparing a bid. Like the submarine rescue and salvage vessel, this is open to other bidders; based on past programs, one can expect China, Netherlands and, potentially, Poland to submit proposals.
Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), Drones & Helicopters
Quwa was able to confirm that the PN was studying the feasibility of new maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). These are to be larger and more capable than the ATR-72 MPAs, but the PN has yet to finalize additional capability requirements, e.g., whether it should be jet-powered, payload, range, subsystems, etc. But the PN did confirm it was evaluating several proposals from the US, UK, France, Germany and Italy.
Turkish Aerospace told Quwa that the PN was also negotiating for the Anka-S medium-altitude and long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The company representative was clear that the Anka-S’ satellite-communications (SATCOM) capability was a priority for the PN.
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