SHANGHAI/KARACHI – China has begun construction of third 054A frigate forPakistan Navy.

A ceremony to this effect was held at Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard.

Turkey, meanwhile, has also started construction of second Milgem ClassCorvette warship for Pakistan Navy.

Chief Naval Overseer Pakistan Navy Commodore Ehsan Ahmed Khan speaking atthe ceremony said the event is a defining moment to further cement thefriendship between the two strategically aligned nations.

Pakistan Navy has concluded a contract for construction of four corvettesfitted with state-of-the-art surface, sub-surface and anti-air weapons andsensors integrated through an advanced Network Centric Combat ManagementSystem.

A spokesperson of Pakistan Navy said both the ships will be laced withmodern technology & equipment and sensors.

The spokesperson said the induction of these ships into our fleet willfurther strengthen the country’s maritime defence and help maintain balanceof power in the region.