LAUNCHING OF F22-P FRIGATE (PNS SHAMSHEER)

The second F-22P Frigate being built for  Pakistan Navy was successfully launched at Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard, Shanghai on 31 Oct 08. The ship will be named PNS SHAMSHEER on joining Pakistan Navy Fleet in January 2010. Chief Guest of the launching ceremony was Mr Zafaruddin Mahmood, Consul General of Pakistan. It was also attended by PN Mission members, families at Shanghai and officials from Chinese PLA (Navy).

In October 2005, Ministry of Defence Production had signed a contract with China Shipbuilding and Trading Company (CSTC) for construction of four F22P frigates for Pakistan Navy with Transfer of Technology (TOT).  Three ships are to be built in China whereas the fourth ship will be constructed at Karachi Shipyard.  Currently, the first ship (to be named PNS ZULFIQUAR) is under trials and due to be delivered to Pakistan Navy by end July 2009. Construction of third Ship (to be named PNS SAIF) is also progressing at a fast pace.  

The F-22P frigates are equipped with state of the art weaponry and sensors. The construction project is to be completed by 2013. Addition of these ships will strengthen the PN fleet with much needed advancement and prowess.