Pakistan - Navy
The PN Surface force is divided into various squadrons according to the types of ships. It is a modern and highly dependable force. Over the years the Pakistan Navy has had the experience of operating a wide range of ships ranging from cruisers to destroyers. Currently the Pakistan Navy operates ex UK Type-21 Class Destroyers and ex UK, Leander Class Frigates alongside a variety of the latest mine-hunters, auxiliaries and missile boats. With indigenous construction work in progress the Pakistan Navy has inducted into the fleet several indigenously constructed missile/gun boats and mine-hunters, all of which have been sea-proven and cost effective.
In 1994 the navy had some 22,000 personnel. The force included a small Naval Air Arm and the approximately 2,000-member paramilitary Maritime Security Agency, charged primarily with protecting Pakistan's exclusive economic zone. The naval reserve consisted of about 5,000 personnel. In 1994 the navy had four commands: COMPAK--the fleet; COMLOG--logistics; COMFORNAV--naval installations in the north of Pakistan; and COMKAR--naval headquarters and the only major base at Karachi. There were long-range plans to build a new naval base at Ormara, 240 kilometers west of Karachi, and to improve harbors at Gwadar and Pasni to help alleviate overdependence on Karachi.
The navy's principal combatants in 1994 were six submarines of French origin equipped with United States Harpoon missiles; negotiations with the French for three additional submarines have been reported. The navy had three active old destroyers (one of British and two of United States origin), four United States-made guided missile frigates, six other frigates (two from Britain and four from the United States), and two United States-made and one French-made mine warfare craft. One destroyer and four frigates carried Harpoon missiles; the navy had acquired an unknown number of Mistral close-in surface-to-air missiles from France. There were eight missile craft, and thirteen coastal combatant and patrol craft, all of Chinese origin. The Naval Air Arm had four combat aircraft flown by air force personnel and armed with Exocet missiles and sixteen armed helicopters. The delivery of three P-3C Orion long-range reconnaissance aircraft from the United States had been suspended since 1990.
The birth of Royal Pakistan Navy came with the creation of Pakistan on the historic day of 14 August 1947. Like other navies of the commonwealth, Pakistan’s Navy also had the prefix “Royal” until the country was proclaimed a republic in 1956. At 0800 on 14 August 1947, the flag of Rear Admiral J W Jefford, Flag Officer Commanding Royal Pakistan Navy was hosted on his Flagship HMPS GODAVARI. The Admiral’s first signal addressed to the officers and men of the RPN was flashed to all ships and shore establishments.
The PN share of the ships at the time of partition comprised 4 frigates/sloops, 4 fleet minesweepers, 8 motor minesweepers and horbour defence launches. The Naval Headquarters started functioning initially in one room office of the Naval Officer Incharge, Karachi. NHQ was later shifted to a building at West Wharf and subsequently shifted to Napier Barracks (Liaquat Barracks) at Karachi.
The training establishment HMPS HIMALAYA was commissioned as Gunnery and Radar School for the RIN on 27 Nov 1943. Soon after Independence it expanded into a combined training establishment housing the Signal, Torpedo and Anti-submarine, Tactics, Navigation and Direction, Supply and Secretariat and Cookery Schools.
Just after independence on 14 August 1947 the Armed Forces Reconstitution Committee (AFRC) divided the Royal Indian Navy between both countries India and Pakistan. The Pakistan Navy secured two sloops, two frigates, four minesweepers, two trawlers, four harbour launches and some 3580 personnel (180 officers and 3400 ratings) and given the high percentage of delta areas on the Pakistan coast the Navy was given a number of Harbor Defence Motor Launches.
In 1956 the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was proclaimed under the 1956 constitution. The prefix `Royal’ was dropped and the service redesignated as Pakistan Navy short title PN. PN Jack and Pakistan flag replaced the Queen’s colour and the white ensign respectively. The order of precedence of the three services changed from Navy, Army, Air Force to Army, Navy, Air Force.
In February 1956, the British government announced supplying of several major surface combatants to Pakistan. These Warships, a cruiser and four destroyers were purchased with funds made available under the US Military Assistance Program. The acquisition of a few additional warships that is two destroyers, eight coastal minesweepers and an oiler (between 1956-63) was the direct result of Pakistan's participation in the anti-Communist defence pacts of SEATO and CENTO.
Operation Dwarka is one of the most significant events of 1965 Indo-Pak war which reflected courage, determination, professional competence, dedication and coordination of the PN personnel involved in it. The objectives of this operation were: to draw the heavy enemy units out of Bombay for the submarine GHAZI to attack; to destroy the radar installation at Dwarka; to lower Indian morale; and to divert Indian Air effort away from the north.
On 7 September 1965 when the ships were on their normal war patrol, the following signal was received from Naval Headquarters: "Task group comprising PNS BABUR, PNS KHAIBAR, PNS BADR, PNS JAHANGIR, PNS ALAMGIR, PNS SHAHJAHAN and PNS TIPU SULTAN is to be in position 239 degrees – 120 miles from Dwarka light house by 071800 E Sep with maximum power available. Task group thereafter to carryout bombardment of Dwarka about midnight using 50 rounds per ship. Force is to retire from bombardment area by 080030 E Sep and return to present patrol area at full speed. One or two enemy frigates may be expected to encounter in the area in addition to enemy air threat."
The Commodore Commanding PN Flotilla accordingly originated his signal at 1835, the salient features of which were: The initial position for attack was 206 degrees Dwarka light 6 miles; the target was to be city installations and conspicuous chimney; and complete radio silence was to be maintained except for guarding air warning radar.
The Fleet immediately topped up fuel and shaped course for Dwarka operation. At midnight the ships were on Initial Position (IP) with all their guns loaded and the men ready to strike a historic punch on enemy’s face. The city of Dwarka was completely blacked out and target could only be identified on radar. At 0024 bombardment was ordered to commence when ships were 5.5 to 6.3 miles from Dwarka light. It took only four minutes to complete the bombardment, firing altogether about 350 rounds on the target. Upon successful completion of the attack the ships retired immediately without any loss or damages. There was no considerable resistance from the enemy and the ships safely arrived at their patrol area by 0635 on 8 Sep.
After 1971 India-Pak war the navy opted for a modest acquisition programme in the form of new Chinese built missile/ torpedo attack craft. Between 1972 and 1980, 12-SLAUGHTER class attack FPBs, 4 HUNAIN class attack craft and 4 HUCHWAN class hydrofoilcraft were delivered, followed by an acceptance of 6 ex-US GEARING class vessels.
During the 1980s, the growth of the Pakistan Navy was unpreceded. It virtually doubled its surface fleet from 9-principle surface combatants in 1980 to 16 by 1989,acquiring sophisticated long-range anti-ship missile and enhanced its maritime reconnaissance capabilities. In order to counter Soviet expansion and force it to withdraw from Afghanistan, the US strengthened Pakistanis Military forces.
In 1982 the Reagan administration approved US$ 3.2 billions military and economic aid to Pakistan. Pakistan acquired eight Brooke and Garcia-class frigates from US Navy on a five year lease in 1988. A depot for repairs, EX-USS HECTOR followed the lease of these ships in April 1989. However after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989 US President George Bush was advised to no longer certify that Pakistan was not involved in the development of nuclear weapons and the Pressler’s Amendment was invoked on 1 October 1990. The lease of the first Brooke class frigate expired in March 1993, the remaining in early 1994. This seriously impaired the Pakistan Navy, which was composed almost entirely of former US origin ships. Pakistan began to concentrate on self-reliance for its defence production.
The two ex-RN LEANDER class frigates were acquired from UK in 1988 and extensively refitted in 1991/93. In 1988, the Pakistani and UK Government set- up a joint committee to explore future requirements during a low key visit of Lord Tref Garne, the then UK Minister of State for defence procurement. Discussion for the purchase of 6 ex-RN AMAZON class frigates began in 1992. In 1993-94 these ex-RN AMAZON class frigates were acquired and were modernized to meet the future requirement.
The first indigenously built large patrol craft PNS LARKANA was commissioned in January 94. Success of the design of this craft led the Navy into building of additional craft including missile launch capable variants. Two have already been commissioned recently.
Until recently, Pakistan Navy’s MCM forces would not have been able to deal with serious mine threats with only two ex-USN coastal minesweepers and eight type 312 drones to form its mine Warfare forces. But the acquisition of three new French mine hunters has brought a lot of improvement. The first vessel ex-FNS SAGITTAIRE was commissioned as PNS MUNSIF into Pakistan Navy in 1992. The second vessel PNS MUHAFIZ sailed for Karachi in Mar 96. The third vessel assembled by PN Dockyard was commissioned as PNS MUJAHID in 1997.
For replenishment at sea PNS NASR was acquired from Chinese Navy in Aug 87 and another support ship PNS MOAWAIN (Ex HMS POOLSTER) was transferred in Jul 94 from Dutch Navy. Both the ships have underway replenishment capabilities. Other auxiliary forces include two oil barges and two oil tankers built in Karachi between 1984 and 1992, two coastal tankers, two 20 utility craft and one 61 m survey ship.
Although the navy clearly needed to grow, its immediate future was threatened by a reduction in equipment brought about by the Pressler Amendment imposed in 1990. The Pakistan Navy had to return four Brooke (Badr)-class and four Garcia (Saif)-class frigates to the United States at the end of their five-year lease. In addition, one British-made destroyer, the Babur, was retired in 1994. At the same time, all three United States destroyers became fully operational, and an additional six Amazon-class frigates purchased from Britain were to be delivered in late 1994.
The acquisition of an ex-US TENCH class submarine by Pakistan Navy in 1964 was particularly significant, not only because Pakistan became the second country after Indonesia, amongst the Indian Ocean littorals to operate a submarine, but it also brought a new dimension to naval warfare in the Indo-Pakistan context. The submarine actively participated in Indo Pak 1965 war but was lost in 1971 war while deployed on a mine laying operation off the Indian Coast.
Pakistan acquired 4 Daphne and 2 Agosta class submarines from French Navy in early 70s and late 70s respectively. The submarines were modified to fire Harpoon missiles in 1985.
The submarine force is the main strength of the PN Fleet. To strengthen it further Agosta 90 B submarine project was undertaken in early 90s. First of the three submarines PNS/M KHALID has been commissioned and reached Pakistan in 1999. Whereas, the second submarine is being assembled at PN Dockyard from components made in Cherbourg. The third submarine will be built entirely in the country. In addition Pakistan navy also operates four Italian midget submarines. Three submarines have also been indigenously built at PN Dockyard at present.
In 1991 a naval special warfare marine commando unit, with a strength of between 150 and 200 men, was established. Its functions, in addition to hull inspection and special operations, included operating three midget submarines.
The Pakistan Navy has a diverse air arm that enables it to carryout air surveillance and provides ASW/ASV cover over the area of interest. Ever since its inception in the early 70’s, Naval Aviation has progressed to become a highly effective and potent force. The professional competence of PN aviators operating some of the highly advanced platforms is well acknowledged and time tested. Naval Aviation is a force multiplier with its inherent flexibility and advanced weaponry.The main operating base for naval aviation; PNS MEHRAN is located at Karachi. It houses all maintenance facilities, Command HQ’s, and training centers. The aviation base established in the mid seventies is fully equipped and geared to undertake flight operations for a variety of aircraft including helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
On 28 Sep 1974 the first of the six Westland Sea King helicopters was acquired from UK marking the introduction of naval aviation and rotary wing aircraft in the service. III squadron was established for these rotary wing aircraft. PNS MEHRAN was subsequently commissioned as the base for the Naval Air Arm on 26 Sep 75. Rest of these helicopters also arrived in subsequent year.
In 1975 four Atlantic LRMP aircraft were acquired from France marking the introduction of fixed wing aircraft in the service and establishment of 29 Squadron. One plane while on a routine training mission in Aug 1999 was shot down by an Indian Air Force fighter jet in a display of naked Indian aggression.
In 1977 six Alouette helicopters were acquired from France leading to the formation of 333 Squadron. In 1982 Fokker F-27 Aircraft were acquired leading to the formation of 27 Squadron.
In 1994 three Lynx helicopters were acquired from UK leading to the formation of 222 Squadron.
In 1996 three P3-C Orion aircraft were acquired from United States and were inducted into the 28 Squadron of the naval air arm. The delivery of these Long Range Maritime patrol aircraft had earlier been withheld due to the application of the Pressler Amendment in 1990. One of these planes was lost due to an accident while carrying out routine exercises in own coastal waters on 29 Oct 1999.
Pakistan Naval Aviation has been able to keep itself abreast with the changing technology and grew from a fledgling force besieged with seemingly insurmountable problems into a mature professional service of today. In aviation, the professional competence and excellence of aircrew merely depends upon its training standards. To fulfill the requirements of aircrew training, today, by the grace of Allah, the Naval Air Arm has its own Naval Aviation Training School fully equipped to take up this challenge.
The first Naval Air Station, PNS MEHRAN, was commissioned on 26 September 1975 to support Fleet Operations. This base is situated in Karachi, 10 KM from Quaid-e-Azam International Airport. Seaking helicopter was the first machine to fly from this Base. Atlantic and Alouette soon joined the Naval Air Arm. Taking a start in 1975, Naval Aviation has grown to its present inventory of 27 multi role aircraft. The latest addition in the Air Arm is Lynx helicopter and P-3C Orion Maritime Patrol aircraft. In early years of its establishment in 1975, Naval Air Arm depended upon Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Army to meet the training requirement of air and ground crew. In April 1988, Naval Aviation Training School (NATS) was established to impart training to air and ground crew of Pakistan Naval Air Arm. The school is also geared to train surface fleet officers and men to meet the various requirements of shipborne flight operations.
Naval Air Station PNS MEHRAN operates multi type aircraft over the blue waters of Indian Ocean. To overcome the survival training of aircrew, PN has been utilizing the available facilities in UK, FRANCE and USA. The ever-growing operations of PN Air Arm demanded regular survival practice, which was only possible with facilities at home. This was the time to cope up with the ever-challenging survival at sea. This necessitated the establishment of an underwater escape training facility. Thus, Pakistan Navy Underwater Escape Trainer was installed within the premises of PNS MEHRAN and was commissioned as PNUET on 31 Oct, 1996. The facility has latest equipment that includes DUNKER, SWET and covered swimming pool. Since then, PNUET is not only fulfilling the training requirement but is regularly conducting refresher courses for the aircrew.
