AZMAT, FIRST FAST ATTACK CRAFT(MISSILE) INDUCTED IN PAKISTAN NAVY

Embassy of Pakistan
(Information Section)
China
*****
PRESS RELEASE  
Tianjin; April 23, 2012
 Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila has said that Pakistan Navy is fully prepared to counter any forces challenging Pakistan’s sovereignty or threatening the security of the country’s waters.

He was speaking as Chief Guest at the commissioning ceremony of PNS Azmat, Pakistan’s first Fast Attack Craft (Missile) at Xingang Shipyard in Tianjin today.

Admiral Sandila said the induction of PNS Azmat will supplement Pakistan Navy’s combat potential.

Terming it a milestone in defence and strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China, he said “This ship will undoubtedly be a very welcome addition in PN Fleet which would indeed provide synergy in defence of our sea frontiers. Its immense firepower coupled with stealthy features makes it a real versatile platform which would not only prove vital for ensuring effective presence in our area of operations, but would bring a new dimension of operation of stealthy platform of this tonnage.”

Chief of the Naval Staff said the commissioning of PNS Azmat concluded the construction of Fast Attack Craft (Missile) in China and the construction of second craft will be completed in Pakistan by the end of 2012. He appreciated the hard work and professional competence of the designers, engineers, technicians and workers who were associated with this project.

PNS Azmat is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and sensors. Addition of this ship will strengthen the Pakistan Navy’s fleet with advance naval warfare capability and prowess. Work for the construction of two FAC (M) ships was started in June 2010.

On its way to Pakistan the ship will stop over in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Masood Khan and the presidents of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company and Xingang Shipyard as well as high ranking officials of Pakistan Navy and PLA were present on this occasion.