Pakistan Navy signs contract for 2 Chinese warships

Contract signing ceremony for the acquisition of Type-054A Frigates (F22P Batch-II) between Pakistan and China at Ministry of Defense Production. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Navy’s Directorate of Public Relations)

• The ships will “substantially enhance” its combat capabilities and contribute to maritime security operations, says the Navy
• The Navy will have four Type 054A ships in its fleet by 2021

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Navy on Friday signed a contract with a Chinese company to acquire two warships.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials and dignitaries from both countries. The navy said the ships will “substantially enhance” its combat capabilities and contribute to maritime security operations. With the signing of the contract, the Navy will have four Type 054A ships in its fleet by 2021.
The navy is planning to enhance its strategic presence in the Indian Ocean, which is increasing in significance in terms of global trade and geopolitics. The navy is also involved in the security of the Gwadar deep-sea port in southwest Pakistan.