25th Destroyer Squadron

Last updated
25th Destroyer Squadron
CountryPakistan
Branch Pakistan Navy
Type Destroyer squadron
Role Surface combatant
Size7 ships (as of 2024)
Part of Fleet Command
Garrison/HQ Karachi, Pakistan
Ships List
Engagements
Commanders
Commander, Pakistan Fleet Rear Admiral Abdul Munib
Aircraft flown
Helicopter Alouette helicopter
Z9EC helicopter

The 25th Destroyer Squadron (DESRON-25) is one of the two destroyer squadrons in the Pakistan Navy and is part of the six total squadrons in the fleet. It is the largest squadron in the navy, second only to the 9th Auxiliary Squadron in terms of ship count and the largest squadron by role. [1] It comprises a fleet of various destroyers, including Tariq-class destroyers, Yarmook-class corvettes, Tughri, and Zulfiquar-class frigates. The Squadron previously operated a fleet six Tariq-class destroyers tasked with various roles, including anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare. [2] The squadron is responsible to the Fleet Command, operating under the commander, Pakistan Fleet. [3]

Contents

The 25th Destroyer Squadron is one of the primary surface fleets of the Navy, alongside other operational squadrons [1] such as the 9th Auxiliary Squadron – comprising nine ships, [4] the 10th Patron Squadron – which includes missile boats, [5] the 21st Auxiliary Squadron (AUXRON-21); [1] responsible for survey and dredging operations in area of responsibility (AOR) at sea, [6] the Fast Patrol Craft Squadron, and the 18th Destroyer Squadron. They are officially referred to as the surface warriors. [1]

History

The formation date of the 25th Destroyer Squadron is not widely documented. However, the squadron operated a UK-built O-class destroyer HMPS Tughtil in 1950 and a US-built Gearing-class destroyer PNS Tughtil in 1980. [7] The squadron later operated a fleet of Type 21 frigates, which were acquired from the United Kingdom and inducted into the navy between 1993 and 1995. Since their induction, these ships underwent modernization upgrades, incorporating advanced weapons and sensor systems to enhance their capability in modern naval operations. [2]

Active ships

The 25th Destroyer Squadron currently consists of the following ships:

During the decommissioning ceremony of the guided-missile frigate USS McInerney at Naval Station Mayport, the U.S. and Pakistan national anthems is being played. During the ceremony, McInerney was officially commissioned into the Pakistan Navy as PNS Alamgir (F260). US Navy 100831-N-8590G-006 The U.S. and Pakistan national anthems are played during the decommissioning ceremony of USS McInerney (FFG 8) at Naval Station Mayport.jpg
During the decommissioning ceremony of the guided-missile frigate USS McInerney at Naval Station Mayport, the U.S. and Pakistan national anthems is being played. During the ceremony, McInerney was officially commissioned into the Pakistan Navy as PNS Alamgir (F260).
A Chinese Haifan II helicopter from the missile frigate Zhoushan leaves the flight deck of HMS Cornwall. The PNS Alamgir is equipped with Z9EC variant of the helicopter. Chinese Helicopter Lands on HMS Cornwall MOD 45150752.jpg
A Chinese Haifan II helicopter from the missile frigate Zhoushan leaves the flight deck of HMS Cornwall. The PNS Alamgir is equipped with Z9EC variant of the helicopter.

Former ships

Pakistan Navy Tariq-class destroyer PNS Shah Jahan, underway participating in Operation Inspired Siren, 2005 PNS SHAHJAHAN.JPEG
Pakistan Navy Tariq-class destroyer PNS Shah Jahan, underway participating in Operation Inspired Siren, 2005
PNS Tippu Sultan maneuvers as it approaches the Military Sealift Command's support ship, USNS Supply. The two ships demonstrate precise coordination, with PNS Tippu Sultan ready to receive essential supplies in 2006. PNS Tippu Sultan former HMS Avenger.jpg
PNS Tippu Sultan maneuvers as it approaches the Military Sealift Command's support ship, USNS Supply. The two ships demonstrate precise coordination, with PNS Tippu Sultan ready to receive essential supplies in 2006.

Notable commanders

Throughout its history since 1950, some of its commanders became chiefs of the Naval Staff and many others served as commander Fleet and commander Karachi.

Commanders of the 25th Destroyer Squadron who became admiral or vice admiral

Many Pakistani admirals, including Faisal Abbasi, Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, and Naveed Ashraf were promoted to the rank of admiral. Abbasi became the commander Karachi. [25] Ashraf was appointed as the 23rd chief of the Naval Staff. [26] Zafar became the 16th chief of the Naval Staff. [27]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "PN Dimensions: Surface Warriors". Pakistan Navy Official Website. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "25th Destroyer Squadron". Pakistan Navy Official Website. 28 Jul 1993. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
  3. "Pakistan Navy Official Website". paknavy.gov.pk. 2021-06-02. Archived from the original on 2021-06-02. Retrieved 2021-09-10.
  4. "9th Auxiliary Squadron". Pakistan Navy Official Website. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
  5. "10th Patron Squadron". Pakistan Navy Official Website. 24 Apr 2012. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
  6. "21 Auxron Squadron". Pakistan Navy Official Website. 15 Aug 2008. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
  7. Johum, Anoshka (13 Nov 2021). "a force multiplier". The Nation. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
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  10. Navy, Sri Lanka (2 Jun 2023). "Sri Lanka Navy". The official website of Sri Lanka Navy. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
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  12. "Pakistan Navy Ship PNS Shahjahan visits Muscat". The News International. 24 Jul 2019. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
  13. "Pakistan Navy inducts Chinese built frigates PNS Tippu Sultan & PNS Shah Jahan". Army Recognition. 29 Dec 2024. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
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  18. Ozberk, Tayfun (25 Nov 2022). "Istanbul Naval Shipyard launches MILGEM Corvette "PNS KHAIBAR" for Pakistan Navy". Naval News. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
  19. "Pakistan Navy Ship Saif visits Port Alexandria in Egypt". ARY TV. 14 Sep 2018. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
  20. "Pakistan launches 4th PN MILGEM Corvette PNS TARIQ (283)". Naval News. 2 Aug 2023. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
  21. 1 2 Hasan, Shazia (6 Aug 2023). "Navy decommissions historic warship after 30 years of service". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
  22. "x.com". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
  23. "Pakistan's Navy: A Quick Look". Center for International Maritime Security. 23 Mar 2016. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
  24. Digital, Times Now (12 Dec 2024). "Why Did Pakistan Name Its Navy Ship After Tipu Sultan? Historian's Eye-Opening Answer". Times Now. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
  25. Report, Recorder (21 Feb 2023). "Rear Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi takes over as COMPAK commander". Brecorder. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
  26. Asad, Malik (8 Oct 2023). "Admiral Naveed Ashraf takes charge as naval chief". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.
  27. "President appoints Vice Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi new CNS". The Frontier Post – News From All Frontiers. 12 Dec 2024. Retrieved 29 Dec 2024.