ISLAMABAD: Recent footage from the People’s Liberation Army Navy hasspotlighted the Type 054A frigate launching the Yu-8 rocket-assistedtorpedo, a sophisticated anti-submarine warfare weapon that significantlyextends engagement ranges beyond traditional torpedoes. This capability isdirectly relevant to Pakistan, as its four Tughril-class frigates, variantsof the Type 054A/P, are equipped with the same vertical launch systemcapable of deploying the Yu-8. Analysts note this development markedlystrengthens Pakistan Navy’s undersea deterrence posture in the Arabian Sea.
The Yu-8, developed by China in the early 2000s and operational sincearound 2006, functions as a rocket-propelled delivery vehicle for alightweight torpedo, allowing surface ships to strike submerged targets atstandoff distances. Unlike conventional tube-launched torpedoes limited toshorter ranges, the Yu-8 is fired vertically from the 32-cell VLS, sharedwith air defence missiles like the HQ-16 or its export variant LY-80.Estimates suggest a range of 30 to 50 kilometres, enabling rapid responseto submarine threats detected by onboard sonars or helicopters.
Pakistan Navy commissioned its first Type 054A/P frigate, PNS Tughril, in2021, followed by three sisters, completing the class by 2023. These4,000-ton multi-role vessels represent the most advanced surface combatantsin Pakistan’s fleet, featuring enhanced stealth, phased-array radars, andintegrated combat systems. The inclusion of Yu-8 compatibility in the VLSprovides a layered anti-submarine warfare suite, complemented by tripletorpedo tubes for Yu-7 lightweight torpedoes and deck-mountedanti-submarine rockets.
This standoff ASW capability mirrors the United States Navy’s RUM-139Vertical Launch ASROC, which delivers a Mark 54 torpedo over similardistances of about 22 kilometres in its standard configuration. Expertshighlight that the Yu-8 offers comparable or superior reach in certainscenarios, allowing frigates to engage submarines before entering theireffective torpedo range, thus shifting the tactical advantage in underseaengagements.
For Pakistan Navy, the Yu-8 integration addresses historicalvulnerabilities in anti-submarine operations, particularly in protectingsea lines of communication and countering potential adversary submarineincursions. The Tughril-class also embarks Z-9EC helicopters equipped forASW missions, providing organic detection and prosecution through dippingsonars and torpedoes, further amplifying the frigates’ effectiveness inmulti-threat environments.
Regional security dynamics underscore the strategic implications of thisenhancement. Pakistan’s improved ASW reach poses challenges to opposingnaval forces relying on submarines for power projection, includinghigh-value assets like aircraft carriers that require protective screensagainst undersea threats. The ability to launch rapid, long-range torpedoattacks could complicate carrier operations within contested waters.
Data from naval assessments indicate that the Yu-8’s gliding ballistictrajectory contributes to its extended range, outperforming purelyballistic systems. Combined with towed array sonars on later Type 054Avariants, this weapon system elevates the platform’s ability to dominatesubsurface domains, a critical factor in modern naval warfare wheresubmarines remain a persistent asymmetric threat.
Pakistan’s acquisition of these frigates from China reflects deepeningdefence cooperation, with all four vessels built at Hudong-Zhonghuashipyard and delivered ahead of schedule despite global disruptions. Thisprocurement has transformed Pakistan Navy’s surface fleet, providingbalanced capabilities across air, surface, and subsurface warfare domains.
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The threat perception extends to potential adversaries, as enhancedstandoff ASW reduces the sanctuary previously enjoyed by submarinesoperating near Pakistani waters. Carriers and amphibious groups, vulnerableto torpedo attacks, may face increased operational constraints, forcingwider dispersal of escorts or reliance on airborne ASW assets.
In conclusion, the Yu-8-equipped Tughril-class frigates mark a qualitativeleap for Pakistan Navy, establishing credible undersea deterrence andcomplicating regional naval calculations. As maritime competitionintensifies, this capability ensures Pakistan maintains a robust defensiveposture against submerged threats.
Source:https://cscr.pk/explore/themes/defense-security/type-054a-p-frigate-pakistan-navys-top-tier-surface-combatant/
Tags: Pakistan Navy, Type 054A/P, Yu-8 Torpedo, Tughril Class, Indian Navy
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