Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Pakistan Navy inducts two fast attack missile crafts into fleet

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Feb 24, IRNA
Pakistan-Missile crafts
Pakistan on Friday inducted into its naval fleet two indigenously built fast attack missile crafts, the country's naval chief said.

The missile craft QUWWAT (power) and JURRAT (courage) were inducted at an impressive ceremony at Karachi Shipyard, Naval chief, Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir, said.

Addressing the ceremony, Admiral Tahir said that the
commissioning of the missile boats heralded a new era for the Pakistan Navy in missile craft construction.

He said the significant achievement laid the foundation of a viable shipbuilding industry which the Pakistan Navy would continue to further capitalize upon.

The naval chief said that in the changed maritime scenario, navy undertakings had increased manifold and warranted development of a balanced navy capable of safeguarding the country's legitimate maritime interests.

"To this end, our frigate project has already been materialized which will commence soon with the Chinese collaboration in the region. Induction of these Fast Attack Missile Crafts in the Pakistan Navy fleet will certainly enhance its offensive punch," he added.

The chief of Naval Staff said that the third submarine, HAMZA, would be launched by the last quarter of the current year.

"A contract of building a full-fledged warship has been signed with China while the project of 90-B was underway," he said.

He said the launching of submarine HAMZA would be followed by its sea drive and phase-wise acceptance.

He said that with the efforts of the Pakistan Navy and the cooperation and support assured by the government, the program of building of these submarines would continue in the future as well.

Referring to the increased responsibilities due to the development of Gwadar Port as well as the war against terror and shortage of big warships, Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir said that some progress had been made for procurement of used ships. He hoped that by the end of this year significant headway would be made in this regard.

Talking about aviation, he said the P3C aircraft that is being obtained from the USA would start arriving in the country by the end of this year and that maintenance work on the two available P3Cs had also been started that would make them airworthy by June this year.

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