ISLAMABAD: A third, Type 054A class of guided-missile frigate built in China for the Pakistan navy has arrived in Karachi, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Friday.
The warship is a further development of the Type 054 frigate, but compared to its predecessor, the Type 054A has medium-range air defense capability in the form of a Type 382 radar and vertically launched HHQ-16 surface-to-air missiles.
“The ship, PNS Shahjahan, reached Karachi port where it was given a warm welcome,” Radio Pakistan said. “Commander Pakistan Fleet Rear Admiral Faisal Abbasi took a round of the ship and congratulated the crew on its commissioning.”
A spokesperson for the Pakistan navy said the inclusion of the new warship in Pakistan’s fleet “will further strengthen the defence of country's maritime borders and interests.”
Pakistan ordered four Type 054A variants from Hudong-Zhonghua in 2017-2018. The first ship entered service in November 2021.
