PNS Aslat (F254)

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IMCMEX 141105-N-TD490-309 (15562561097) (cropped2).jpg
PNS Aslat (FFG-254), a F-22P Zulfiquar-class frigate patrolling off its deployment with U.S. Navy in the Indian Ocean in 2014.
History
Naval Ensign of Pakistan.svg Pakistan
NamePNS Aslat
Namesake Arabic: Astro Boy
Builder KSEW Ltd. in Pakistan
Laid down10 December 2009
Launched16 June 2011
Commissioned17 April 2013 [1]
In service2010–present
Homeport Karachi Naval Base
StatusIn active service
General characteristics
Class and type F-22P Zulfiquar-class frigate
Displacement
  • 2,500 tonnes (standard) [2]
  • 3,144 tonnes (full load)
Length123.2 m (404 ft 2 in)
Beam13.8 m (45 ft 3 in)
Draught3.76 m (12 ft 4 in)
Propulsion
  • CODAD (Combined Diesel and Diesel)
  • 2 × Tognum MTU 12V 1163 TB 83 at 10.5 MW
  • 2 × MTU cruise diesels at 6.6 MW
Speed29 kn (54 km/h) maximum
Range4,000 nmi (7,400 km)
Complement202, 14 officers and 188 enlists.
Sensors and
processing systems
Electronic warfare
& decoys
Armament
Aircraft carried1 × Harbin Z-9EC ASW helicopter
Aviation facilities Flight deck and enclosed hangar

PNS Aslat (FFG-254) is a F-22P Zulfiquar-class guided missile frigate currently in active service with the Pakistan Navy since her commission in 2013.

Contents

Operational history

Aslat's design, construction and the steel cutting took place in KSEW, Ltd. in Karachi, Sindh in Pakistan in 2009. [3] [4] Her keel laying and launch ceremony took place on 16 June 2011 with Adm. Noman Bashir witnessing its ceremony. [5] [6]

On 18 April 2013, Aslat was commissioned into the military service of the Pakistan Navy and was presented with her colors by Adm. Asif Sandila. [7] With the commissioning of the Aslat, the project of building the Zulfiquar-class guided missile frigates concluded the $750 million technology transfer contract with China. [8]

The second warship has the namesake of Aslat, which is a type of Arab sword used by Arab warriors in the Early Islamic conquests. [9]

PNS Aslat was deployed in the Red sea because of the attacks made on international ships and vessels by the Houthi Rebels of Yemen Starting from late 2023, following the Israel - Hamas war. [10] [11]

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References

  1. "Handing over Ceremony – PNS Aslat (F22P Frigate)". www.karachishipyard.com.pk. Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Limited.
  2. F 2 2 P Frigate Archived 2009-06-02 at the Wayback Machine
  3. "Commissioning of 4th F22P Ship – PNS ASLAT". www.karachishipyard.com.pk.
  4. "Fourth F-22P frigate of Pakistan Navy launched". www.thenews.com.pk. The News International. 17 July 2011. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  5. "Launching Ceremony – F22P Frigate". www.karachishipyard.com.pk. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  6. Newspaper, the (16 June 2011). "First indigenously built F-22P frigate". DAWN.COM.
  7. Newspaper, the (18 April 2013). "F-22P frigate inducted into PN fleet". DAWN.COM.
  8. "Pakistan commissions last Zulfiquar frigate". www.spacewar.com. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  9. "PNS ASLAT holds Reception at Jeddah Islamic Port". pid.gov.pk. Islamabad. February 21, 2018.
  10. "Pakistan deploys warships in Arabian Sea following recent Houthi attacks".
  11. "Pakistan deploys warships in Arabian Sea following 'maritime incidents'".