Second Pakistani multirole frigate progresses, search for patrol aircraft commences
The Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai held a ceremony on 23 March to mark the keel laying of Pakistan’s second Type 054A/P multirole frigate. The Pakistan Navy (PN) has four such vessels on order via two separate contracts.
Attendees at the keel-laying ceremony included Cdre Azfar Humayun of the PN. He praised the shipyard for reaching the milestone despite the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic that started in Wuhan, China in late 2019.
Steel had been cut for this 4,000t vessel in December 2018. It is unclear what differences the Pakistani Type 054A/P vessels will have compared to regular Chinese frigates, including which
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog]()
US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog
A White House memorandum acknowledges US Navy shipbuilding backlogs and a weakened industrial base, opening a formal path for South Korean and Japanese yards to help rebuild capacity.
-
![US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation]()
US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation
The US Navy’s planned nuclear-powered warship carries a US$275 billion price tag, but the greater story lies in the industrial overhaul needed to build it, from AI-enabled design to digital twins and modular construction.
-
![Industry sees opportunity in Australia’s shift to networked undersea warfare]()
Industry sees opportunity in Australia’s shift to networked undersea warfare
Australia’s new defence innovation strategy indicates a shift from platform-centric to network-centric undersea warfare, with Ocius and Anduril Industries pointing to fast-growing opportunities for local industry.
-
![Asia-Pacific emerges as the largest export market for US-made USVs]()
Asia-Pacific emerges as the largest export market for US-made USVs
Asian customers have placed one of the largest known international purchases of US-built uncrewed surface vessels, highlighting accelerating regional demand for autonomous maritime capabilities and distributed naval operations.
