Pakistan on Monday inducted a Chinese multi-role frigate named as PNS Tughril which is the first of four Type 054-A/P frigates at the Navy Dockyard in Karachi, Pakistan Navy said in a statement.

During the induction occasion, the Pakistan Navy also welcomed 10 Sea King helicopters acquired from Qatar.

Pakistan Naval Chief Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi said that the Type 054A/P is a potent platform, fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors.

Niazi said the ship is designed for combat in a multi-threat environment, and it can generate the requisite firepower in multiple domains with supersonic surface-to-surface cruise missiles, air defence missiles and anti-submarine warfare torpedoes.

He added that these capabilities will enable Pakistan Navy to remain on par with contemporary trends in naval warfare.

According to Chinese state media Global Times, China and Pakistan signed the contract for four Type 054A/Ps in June 2018. The frigate is the most advanced surface combat vessel China has ever exported.

This development comes as the Pakistan Navy is undertaking an important renewal of its fleet, with the procurement of several modern platforms.

According to Naval News, Pakistan will also commission new corvettes from Turkey and OPV from the Netherlands.

Image credit: ANI