Naval News 2005 July - August

[H Khan]

Couple local folks have said that they have seen P-3 Orions in PN colors stationed and flying with PN crew around JAX Naval Air Station.

[Munir]

it is not free in the sense that it is a part of the package of $1.5 billion offered to Pakistan. That leaves $500m for the next 4 years, I wonder what can we get for that, surely not any big ticket items.

2 cents

The faster they finish the cake the more there will be... Prices rise so less can be bought in the future... So better getting now and then see what happens next.

And if they buy fast there will be a reason to add more cash cause Pak will have to replace plenty. There is no longer a viable reason to stop cause Pak is able to get JF17 inhouse. Maybe J10. And they are thinking about Rafale or Gripen. Why should Bush stop F16 if they can get their share of the cake.

The strategic improvement of PN is very valuable. 10 of these planes will able to deliver 24/7 security (and that offensive punch is added by Reuters-India... Check that!). The planes have serious electronic cause the price is extremely serious. And when they add Baber then it will be even more serious... Adding another 500 km range atleast...

[azeemchoudhary]

US Navy offers supply of two frigates to Pakistan Navy: CNS ISLAMABAD, Aug 31 (APP): Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Shahid Karimullah on Wednesday said that US Navy has offered two frigates to Pakistan Navy. "These Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates are not only more equipped than Chinese F-22P version but also bigger in size," said the Admiral while talking to newsmen at the launching of a book at the Bahria University Auditorium. He said the bigger space at the frigate would enable the PN to instal more arms and equipment on board the ship.Answering a question regarding acquiring of nuclear submarine, the CNS said: "we will have to develop it indiginously one day to meet our requirements instead of looking to others."Responding to another question regarding the capability of cruise missile recently developed by Pakistan, he said, another test would be undertaken in due course but it may take some time to make it possible to fire from a frigate.(Posted @ 20:55 PST)

Dawn

[Munir]

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FFG-7 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY-class
The Perry class FFG forms a capable undersea warfare [USW] platform with the LAMPS-III helicopter onboard. The Mk 13 Mod 4 missile launcher provides secondary anti-air capability. Ships of this class are often referred to as "FFG-7" (pronounced FIG-7) after the lead ship, U.S.S. Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7).
Frigates fulfill a Protection of Shipping (POS) mission as Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) combatants for amphibious expeditionary forces, underway replenishment groups and merchant convoys. PERRY-class frigates are primarily Undersea Warfare ships intended to provide open-ocean escort of amphibious ships and convoys in low to moderate threat environments in a global war with the Soviet Union. They could also provide limited defense against anti-ship missiles extant in the 70’s and 80’s. The ships are equiped to escort and protect carrier battle groups, amphibious landing groups, underway replenishment groups and convoys. They can also conduct independent operations to perform such tasks as counterdrug surveillance, maritime interception operations, and exercises with other nations. The addition of NTDS, LAMPS helicopters, and the Tactical Towed Array System (TACTAS) has given these ships a combat capability far beyond the class program expectations of the mid-1970's, and has made the ships an integral and valued asset in virtually any war-at-sea scenario and particularly well suited for operation in the littoral.

The Navy's fleet of PERRY-class FFG 7 frigates will remain in the fleet well into the second decade of the 21st century. The most capable FFG-7s will be retained the longest. The goal of current plans is to transform the FFG-7 force into an all SH-60 helicopter capable force by FY'03. The primary mission of the ships will remain antisubmarine warfare and escort.

While the guided missile frigates (FFG) bring an anti-air warfare (AAW) capability to the frigate mission, they have some limitations. The FFG-7 Class has good capability against (2 or less) medium and high altitude ASMs. If equipped with the SM-1 BLK VIB and Mod 6 FCS, it also has a good capability against low altitude ASMs. It features an improved 2D air search radar, and high SM-1 salvo rate against a single target. However, the cycle time for SM-1 is relatively long, and the capability against low ASMs for Mod 2/SM-1 BLK VIA ships is poor. Radar illuminator blockage zones are excessive, and the radars must illuminate target continuously during missile flight. The long range air search radar is 2D, and track capacity is limited.

Designed as cost effective surface combatants, they lack the multi-mission capability of modern surface combatants faced with multiple, high technology threats. The Perry class were originally fitted with Raytheon's AN/SLQ-32(V)2, a self-defence electronic support measures (ESM) system offering limited frequency-cover and questionable security. The SLQ-32 antennas in a Perry are carried at about 50ft above the waterline, providing an intercept range of only 23nm. Following the Iraqi air-launched Exocet attack on the USS Stark (FFG-31) on 17 May 1987 it was decided to upgrade the (V)2 installation by adding a jammer codenamed "Sidekick". The new variant was later designated SLQ-32(V)5, and to date a number of (V)2s have been brought to the new standard, including most but not all the Perrys.


The class has only a limited capacity for further growth. Despite this, the FFG-7 class is a robust platform, capable of withstanding considerable damage. This "toughness" was aptly demonstrated when USS Samuel B. Roberts struck a mine and USS Stark was hit by two Exocet cruise missiles. In both cases the ships survived, were repaired and have returned to the fleet.

The FFG-7 class was designed from the keel up as a total warfare system, capable of operating independently or as an integral part of a carrier or surface action group. Innovations in high speed digital computer technology enable the on-board weapons system to instantly detect and evaluate contacts at greater ranges with minimum human interface, thus providing increased reaction time. To enhance the on-board anti-surface/anti-submarine capabilities, the new LAMPS Mark III Helicopter System adds significantly to the ship's sensor and weapons delivery range.
The Navy developed the FFG 7 class using the minimal manning concept. This concept has a profound effect on engineering organization. Supervisors must accomplish all tasks with fewer people than larger ships. Below decks, two gas turbine engines (similar the engines on the wings of a DC 10) provide power for propulsion that enables the ships to reach speeds in excess of 25 knots. Gas turbine engines are more cost effective than steam or diesel propulsion ships. These advanced propulsion units allow a ship to get underway quickly and rapidly change operating modes. The propulsion plant as well as the electrical power plant is computer controlled and monitored to ensure a smooth running and efficient system. The gas turbine engines can be started and be ready to come up to full power in five minutes. This quick reaction time allows the ship to be more maneuverable and reduces the preparation time to get underway.

PERRY-class ships were produced in two variants, known as "short-hull" and "long-hull", with the later variant being eight feet longer than the short-hull version. The long-hull ships [FFG 8, 28, 29, 32, 33, 36-61] carry the SH-60B LAMPS III helicopters, while the short-hull units carry the less-capable SH-2G. These ships have a full load displacement of that ranges from 3,658 tons to 4,100 tons, are either 445 or 453 feet in overall length, have a 45 foot beam and a draft of 22 feet. They are powered by a single shaft driven by 2 LM2500 gas turbines. Their maximum sustained speed is about 29 knots and the have a 4,200 nautical mile range at 20 knots. The ships active complement is about 15 officers and 179 enlisted personnel.


A total of 55 FFG-7 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY-class ships were built, including 51 for the US Navy and four for the Royal Australian Navy. Of these, 33 are in active commissioned service and 10 are in the Naval Reserve Force (NRF). The "short-hull" Perry-class frigates are being retired at an advanced rate, even though they have 20 years left on their life. The Navy had hoped to phase out construction of this class with the FY 83 ships, FFG 59 and 60, but Congress authorized (but did not fully fund) FFG 61 in FY 84.
Two ships of this class suffered heavy damage while patrolling in the Persian Gulf. On 17 May 1987, two Iraqi fired Exocet SSMs hit the U.S.S. Stark (FFG-31), one of which detonated near berthing spaces resulting in heavy loss of life. On 14 April 1988 the U.S.S. Samuel B. Roberts (FFG-58) struck a mine which detonated an estimated 250 pounds of TNT. The explosion heavily damaged propulsion systems and blew a nine-foot hole under the keel. In both attacks, the ships suffered intense fires aggravated by the all aluminum construction of the hull. Nevertheless, exceptional damage control efforts carried out by their crews kept both ships on the surface and enabled them to reach friendly ports in the Persian Gulf. The Stark returned to the United States on her own power and underwent repairs. The Roberts was transported to the United States on the Dutch-flag heavy-lift ship, Mighty Servant 2.


The Naval Reserve currently operates 10 Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG 7)-class frigates These ships maintain full readiness status and deploy with their Active Component counterparts when needed. One of their primary missions, which they fulfill simply by being available, is to make it possible for the Active Component to maintain its operating tempo at acceptable levels. Incidences of Reserve ships playing a part in what used to be exclusively Active force mission areas are becoming common. Perry-class frigates have been responsible for 16.3 percent of Navy steaming days in support of counter-narcotics operations and will continue to relieve the operational and personnel tempo of Active combatants by assuming more forward presence deployments. By the year 2000, seven of the 10 FFG 7s in the NRF will be modernized to Flight III baselines. These ships fulfill an important role in reducing the Active force's operational and personnel tempo by responding to contingencies such as the Haitian embargo, counter-narcotics operations, and overseas deployments.
In 1996 one FFG 7 supported Baltic Sea operations, two served in the Western Pacific for Carat 96, and three others patroled the Caribbean in counter-narcotics operations. One Reserve FFG (USS Wadsworth) to deploy in support of Carat 97, one FFG (USS Estocin) participated in BALTOPS 97.



Specifications
Power Plant 2 - General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine engines
1 shaft, 41,000 shaft horsepower total.
Length Short: 445 feet (133.5 meters)
Long: 453 feet (135.9 meters) with LAMPS III modification
Beam 45 feet (13.5 meters)
Displacement 4,100 tons (full load)
Speed 29 plus knots (33.4+ miles per hour)
Aircraft Long: Two SH-60 (LAMPS III) in FFG 8, 28, 29, 32, 33, 36-61
Short: One SH-2F (Lamps Mk-I) in FFG 9-27,30, 31,34.
Crew ACTIVE: 13 Officers, 287 Enlisted
NRF: 83 Active, 76 TAR, 57 SELRES
Armament Standard Missile (MR)
Harpoon (from Standard Missile Launcher)
6 - MK-46 torpedoes(from two MK 32 SVTT triple mounts)
1 - 76 mm (3-inch)/62 caliber MK 75 rapid fire gun
1 - Phalanx close-in-weapons system
Combat Systems AN/SPS-49 Air Search Radar
AN/SPS-55 Surface Search Radar
Mk92 Fire Control System
AN/SLQ-32 Electronics Warfare System
AN/SQS-56 Sonar
Mk36 SRBOC Decoy System
AN/SQR-19 Towed Array Sonar System
AN/SQQ-89 ASW Integration System
Unit Operating Cost
Annual Average $16,000,000 [source: [FY1996 VAMOSC]


Ships
Name Number Builder Homeport Ordered Commissioned Decommissioned
SHORT
USS Oliver Hazard Perry FFG 7 Bath Mayport 17 Dec 1977 20 Feb 1997
USS Wadsworth FFG-9 Todd San Pedro San Diego 02 Apr 1980
USS Duncan FFG 10 Todd Seattle Long Beach 24 May 1980 19 Dec 1994
USS Clark FFG-11 Bath Norfolk 17 May 1980
USS George Philip FFG-12 Todd San Pedro San Diego 15 Nov 1980
USS Samuel Eliot Morison FFG-13 Bath Mayport 11 Oct 1980 1999
USS Sides FFG-14 Todd San Pedro San Diego 30 May 1981
USS Estocin FFG-15 Bath Norfolk 10 Jan 1981 1999
USS Clifton Sprague FFG 16 Todd San Pedro Philadelphia 21 Mar 1981 02 Jun 1995
FFG 17 [Australian]
FFG 18 [Australian]
USS John A. Moore FFG-19 Todd San Pedro San Diego 14 Nov 1981 30 Sep 1998
USS Antrim FFG 20 Todd Seattle Mayport 26 Sep 1981 08 May 1996
USS Flatley FFG 21 Bath Mayport 20 Jun 1981 15 May 1996
USS Fahrion FFG-22 Todd Seattle Mayport 16 Jan 1982
USS Lewis B. Puller FFG-23 Todd San Pedro San Diego 17 Apr 1982 Sep 1998
USS Jack Williams FFG 24 Bath Mayport 19 Sep 1981 13 Sep 1996
USS Copeland FFG 25 Todd San Pedro San Diego 07 Aug 1982 18 Sep 1996
USS Gallery FFG 26 Bath Mayport 05 Dec 1981 30 Sep 1996
USS Mahlon S. Tisdale FFG 27 Todd San Pedro San Diego 13 Nov 1982 27 Sep 1996
USS Reid FFG-30 Todd San Pedro San Diego 23 Feb 1983 Sep 1998
USS Stark FFG-31 Todd Seattle Mayport 23 Oct 1982 May 1999
USS Aubrey Fitch FFG 34 Bath Mayport 09 Oct 1982
FFG 35 [Australian]
FFG 44 [Australian]
LONG
USS McInerney FFG-8 Bath Mayport 15 Dec 1979
USS Boone FFG-28 Todd Seattle Mayport 15 May 1982
USS Stephen W. Groves FFG-29 Bath Pascagoula 17 Apr 1982
USS John L. Hall FFG-32 Bath Pascagoula 26 Jun 1982
USS Jarrett FFG-33 Todd San Pedro San Diego 02 Jul 1983
USS Underwood FFG-36 Bath Mayport 09 Jan 1983
USS Crommelin FFG-37 Todd Seattle Pearl Harbor 18 Jun 1983
USS Curts FFG-38 Todd San Pedro San Diego 08 Oct 1983
USS Doyle FFG-39 Bath Mayport 21 May 1983
USS Halyburton FFG-40 Todd Seattle Norfolk 07 Jan 1984
USS McClusky FFG-41 Todd San Pedro San Diego 10 Dec 1983
USS Klakring FFG-42 Bath Norfolk 30 Aug 1983
USS Thach FFG-43 Todd San Pedro Yokosuka 17 Mar 1984
USS Dewert FFG-45 Bath Mayport 19 Nov 1983
USS Rentz FFG-46 Todd San Pedro San Diego 30 Jun 1984
USS Nicholas FFG-47 Bath Norfolk 10 Mar 1984
USS Vandegrift FFG-48 Todd Seattle San Diego 24 Nov 1984
USS Robert G. Bradley FFG-49 Bath Norfolk 11 Aug 1984
USS Taylor FFG-50 Bath Mayport 01 Dec 1984
USS Gary FFG-51 Todd San Pedro San Diego 17 Nov 1984
USS Carr FFG-52 Todd Seattle Norfolk 27 Jul 1985
USS Hawes FFG-53 Bath Norfolk 09 Feb 1985
USS Ford FFG-54 Todd San Pedro Everett 29 Jun 1985
USS Elrod FFG-55 Bath Norfolk 29 Jun 1985
USS Simpson FFG-56 Bath Norfolk 09 Nov 1985
USS Reuben James FFG-57 Todd San Pedro Pearl Harbor 22 Mar 1986
USS Samuel B. Roberts FFG-58 Bath Norfolk 1983 12 Apr 1986
USS Kauffman FFG-59 Bath Norfolk 1983 28 Feb 1987
USS Rodney M. Davis FFG-60 Todd San Pedro Yokosuka 1983 09 May 1987
USS Ingraham FFG-61 Todd San Pedro Everett 1984 05 Aug 1989








Sources and Resources
GENERAL DESCRIPTION FFG 7 Engineering Training - Surface Officer Warfare School
FY1996 Ships Class Average Report Navy Visibility and Management of Operating and Support Costs (VAMOSC)
FFG 7 CLASS ADVISORY NO. 06-95 -- SUPERSTRUCTURE WELDING
FFG 7 CLASS ADVISORY NO. 06-95 REV 1 -- SUPERSTRUCTURE WELDING

Guided Missile Frigates FFG-1 To FFG-025
Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates
ONE NAVY FORCE... a guide to the Naval Reserve
Frigate Photo Index

MEMORANDUM FOR CORRESPONDENTS November 18, 1998 -- Possible sale to the Government of Turkey of three FFG-7 PERRY class frigates and eight currently leased FF 1052 KNOX class frigates.


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Maintained by Webmaster

Updated Monday, February 14, 2000 4:50:53 PM

[Munir]

Now just a picture.

[Boota]

Where does the Fletcher come in the picture on this? Does it imply 1 Fletcher DDG and 2 Oliver Hazad Perry FFGs? If true a significant and well thought out upgrade of our Naval force. This also shows why the delivery of the F22P was pushed out. This might save us some money for additional submarines.

[H Khan]

These Oly frigates have been offered to PN for a long time. In fact, these were one of the few military hardware which were offered in 2002.

[zeeshan]

Assalamoa laaukuam,

several important and confusing points:
Cruise missile will be tested by submarine first
we are getting 4 USA frigates?
we have already received P-3Cs?

Pak to get two US frigates

From our correspondent
ISLAMABAD - Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Shahid Karimullah Wednesday said the United States has agreed to provide Pakistan with two multi-purpose frigates, which have the state-of-the-art technology. But the delivery is possible only after approval by the American Congress.
Talking to media persons after the book launching ceremony here, the naval chief said talks were also held between Pakistan and Britain on acquiring type 23 frigates but they could not materialise. However, Pakistan Navy is also acquiring frigates from China and they will reach here in three and a half years time, he added.
The naval chief hoped that dialogue between Pakistan and India on Kashmir might get boost when President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would meet in New York on the sidelines of UN General Assembly meeting in September.
Admiral Karimullah said the talks on Kashmir went well in the first six months but later they died down. He said it looked as if India was not interested in taking concrete measures on Kashmir. The admiral, however, hoped that the leadership of the two countries would find some substantial progress in their New York talks.
To a question, the naval chief said Pakistan Navy would soon test the latest version of Babar cruise missile to gauge its accuracy.
Admiral Shahid Karimullah said navy has received eight P3C Orion aircraft, which will help in better surveillance on the borders. He said Pakistan Navy has been neglected in the past but now President Pervez Musharraf has done a lot to bring it at par with other navies. But that will take some time, he added.
Earlier, addressing the book launching ceremony, Admiral Karimullah said the prime objective of a good book is to nourish thoughts of its reader so that when he finishes reading, his paradigm about certain aspect is changed.
He said the author, Rear Admiral (Retd) Mian Zahir Shah, has successfully achieved this objective with his mastery on pen and choice of words and composed a wonderful and easy to understand book on a complicated naval rescue operation.
The book titled ‘Sea Phoenix - A True Submarine Story’ narrates an incident in such a manner that not only gives a live picture of the happening but at the same time is thought provoking and purposeful for which the writer deserves great applause, the admiral added.
Mian Zahir Shah has also authored another book titled ‘Bubbles of Water’, a collection of naval anecdotes, published in 2001.
Online adds: Admiral Shahid Karimullah said Pakistan Navy (PN) will soon test fire cruise missile saying that Islamabad will also get four US and two Chinese frigates soon.
“Our conventional capabilities are less than India and Pakistan will have to make nuclear submarine itself because no one will give it to us,”Admiral Shahid maintained.
“We have no nuclear submarine and India has 17 units while we have only five,
On cruise missile test fire, he announced that a submarine initially would conduct cruise missile test fire and later it would be carried out through a warship.

[A Khan]

No, the Orion deal along with the missile deals are not part of 2004 Aid package as per my understanding

I think you are right H Khan saheb, according this article by xinhua, we are only going to pay for the modifications. So does anyone have any idea how much such modifications might cost? at first i presumed that the 970 million price tag, was for the planes + modifications, but now it doesnt seem that way.


Pakistan navy acquires 8 US P-3C Orion aircraft

www.chinaview.cn 2005-08-31 19:06:41

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 31 (Xinhuanet) -- Pakistan Navy (PN) has acquired eight P-3C Orion aircraft from the United States, said a PN statement issued Wednesday in the southern port city of Karachi.

The title of these aircraft has been shifted to PN with signing of the transfer documents by the representatives of both sides, making the aircraft a property of the government of Pakistan, the statement said.

P-3C Orion is a long range maritime patrol aircraft with an endurance of about 18 hours and can carry Harpoon missile.

These aircraft will be fitted with modern avionics and mission system by Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of P-3C Orion, according to the statement.

The aircraft are provided free of cost by the US Navy and the expenses for modification of aircraft avionics systems will be metmostly from the US military aid.

With the induction of eight P-3Cs, the existing PN fleet of P-3Cs will grow up to 10 aircraft

PN Chief Admiral Shahid Karimullah has termed acquiring of the aircraft a significant achievement, the statement said.

He expressed his confidence that the induction of these aircraft will augment PN's capability to actively monitor its areas of interest at sea and add a new dimension to the offensive punch of PN fleet. Enditem

[H Khan]

Pak Observer (09/01/05)

Karachi—Pakistan Navy has acquired eight P-3C Orion aircraft from United Stated.

This was stated in a press release issued here from Naval Headquarters Public Relations Directorate on Wednesday.

It said the title of these has been shifted to Pakistan Navy (PN) with signing of transfer documents by the representatives of US and Pakistan navies making the aircraft a property of the government of Pakistan.

Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Shahid Karimullah, has termed the acquiring of the aircraft a significant achievement.

The aircraft would be fitted with modern avionics and mission systems by M/s Lockheed Martin, the manufacturers of P-3C Orion.

The aircraft are being provided free of cost by the US Navy and the expenses for modification of aircraft avionics systems will be met mostly from the US military aid.

P-3C Orion is a long range maritime patrol aircraft with an endurance of about 18 hours and can carry Harpoon missiles.

With the induction of eight P-3C, the existing fleet of PN P-3Cs will grow up to 10 aircraft.

Tow P-3Cs, already with PN, are presently undergoing overhaul in Pakistan with the assistance US and are expected to be operational by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Shahid Karimullah on Wednesday said that US Navy has offered provision of two frigates to Pakistan Navy.

“These Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates are not only more equipped than Chinese F-22P version but also bigger in size,” said the Admiral while talking to media persons after launching of a book at the Bahria University Auditorium. He said the bigger space at the frigate would enable the PN to have installed more arms and equipment onboard the ship.

The Perry class carry Harpoon missile system, Auto Neilera Gun, Lamps Mark-2 Helicopters, Vulcan Phalanx type of anti-missile defence system and SQS type SONAR set for detecting enemy vessels.

He said Pakistan Navy has warmly accepted this offer and looking forward to have approval of the project by the US Congress.

When asked about the price of these frigates, he said, this will be negotiated once the Congress approves the project.

Answering a question regarding acquiring of nuclear submarine, the CNS said, “we will have to develop it indiginously one day to meet with our requirements instead of looking towards others.”

Responding to another question regarding the capability of cruise missile recently developed by Pakistan, he said, another test of this version would be undertaken in due course but it may take some time to make it possible to fire from a frigate. Regarding the delivery of the P-3C Orion aircraft being supplied by the US, he said, the delivery of these aircraft is in phases as the first lot of two aircraft is expected by January next and other two in December 2006. Other four of the lot would be delivered some time after 2006, he added.

On the repair and overhaul of existing two P-3C Orions, he said work on them will be completed by end of this year thus making them airborne. About the supply of the 5 frigates by China, he said, one of these would be manufactured in China while rest would be in Pakistan and this project is expected to complete by 2013. It may take four years to complete the first frigate and US frigates would prove to be a stop-gap arrangement, Admiral Shahid Karimullah said.—APP

[pshamim]

US Navy offers supply of two frigates to Pakistan Navy: CNS ISLAMABAD, Aug 31 (APP):
Dawn

Azeem Saheb,
Do we have a source link. The URL is not showing this news item.
Thanks.

[A Khan]

Shamim sahib try this link:

http://www.dawn.com/2005/08/31/welcome.htm

Its currently the third news item from the top...

[Murad]

This clears the picture regarding the Type-23 frigates.

US offers frigates; eight Orion aircraft received

By Our Reporter (Dawn)


ISLAMABAD, Aug 31: The US has offered Perry-class frigates for sale to Pakistan, disclosed Chief of the Naval Staff Shahid Karimullah here on Wednesday. He said the offer of sale “has been made by the US Navy” to the Pakistan Navy, adding that the price of the frigates will be negotiated once the US Congress gives its approval.

The Chief of the Naval Staff was talking to newsmen after launching ceremony of a book ‘SEA PHOENIX - A True Submarine Story’ by Rear Admiral (retd) Zahir Shah.

Named after an American naval hero, Oliver Hazard Perry, the frigates were designed by the US in the 1970s as general-purpose escort vessels. Although some Perry-class vessels are slated to remain in US service for years, many others are being de-commissioned and transferred to other countries where the same are being modernized.

Frigates are anti-submarine warfare combatants that are mainly used for escort missions.

The naval chief said Pakistan was also acquiring four F-22 P frigates from China. He said three of these frigates will be built in China and the fourth in Pakistan. These frigates will form part of the Pakistan Navy’s fleet by 2013. He said since the delivery of the first Chinese frigate was to take some three years, a good stop-gap arrangement could be made by acquiring some Perry-class frigates, which were not as efficient as the Chinese P-22-Fs.

He said talks to acquire frigates from the United Kingdom were over as the price demanded by the UK was not acceptable to Pakistan. Now the UK has sold the same to Chile.

He said the Pakistan Navy, which was currently weak in terms of units, will emerge as a balanced and powerful force. Drawing a comparison with India, he said the Eastern neighbour had 21 submarines as compared to 5 of Pakistan.

He said no government in the past had concentrated on strengthening the Pakistan Navy. He gave the credit to President Pervez Musharraf for his support to the Navy. He, however, said the recovery will take some time as it could not be done overnight.

Answering a question, he said at some stage Pakistan will have to develop its own nuclear submarine as no country was ready to provide the same to Islamabad.

Admiral Shahid Karimullah said Pakistan Navy had received eight P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft free of cost from the United States.

He said he US Navy had signed the transfer document making the aircraft a property of the Pakistan government. With the induction of eight P-3Cs, the Navy’s existing fleet of P-3Cs will grow to 10 aircraft. The two P-3Cs already with the Navy were at present undergoing overhaul in Pakistan with US assistance and were expected to be operational by the end of this year.

P-3C Orion is a long-range maritime patrol aircraft with an endurance of about 18 hours. It can carry Harpoon missiles. The eight aircraft now being inducted would be fitted with modern avionics and mission systems by Lockheed Martin, the manufacturers of P-3C Orion. The expenses of modification of aircraft avionics systems will be met mostly from the US military aid.

The naval chief termed the aircraft acquisition a significant achievement. They would augment Pakistan Navy’s capability to actively monitor its areas of interest at sea and add a new dimension to the offensive punch of the Naval fleet, he said.

Admiral Karimullah said provision of these aircraft was indicative of strong Pakistan-US relations and hoped that the defence cooperation between the navies of the two countries would further increase in times to come.

Answering a question, he said the first aircraft will be delivered to Pakistan in December followed by another in January-February 2006.

[yasser]

wow! 10 P-3Cs, Spruance, Oliver Hazrd Perry, F-22, Harpoon 2, Babar, Agosta 90b

Could you believe that in just 10 year period PN made such a qunatum leap in capabilities, the chances are we will have cruise missiles on subs a decade before India as well. PN now surpasses IN in several key areas. Credit to top brass when its due. Well done!