ISLAMABAD: In a landmark development for Pakistan’s maritime defenceposture, the Pakistan Navy has conducted exercises featuring the first-everpublic demonstration of the Vertical Launch System (VLS) aboard itsTughril-class frigates. The live-fire event, held in the North Arabian Sea,involved the successful launch of the LY-80N surface-to-air missile fromthe ship’s 32-cell VLS, intercepting a low-flying aerial target withprecision. This milestone underscores the operational maturity of theseChinese-built vessels, which represent a significant upgrade in the navy’santi-air warfare capabilities and mark a shift towards more flexible andrapid missile deployment systems.
The Tughril-class, formally designated as Type 054A/P guided-missilefrigates, were customised for the Pakistan Navy by China’s Hudong-ZhonghuaShipyard. Displacing around 4,000 tonnes, these ships measure 134 metres inlength with a beam of 16 metres and achieve speeds up to 27 knots. Theirintroduction between 2022 and 2023 has provided the Pakistan Navy with itsfirst operational platform equipped with a dedicated VLS, enabling quickerresponse times compared to traditional rail or arm launchers. The systemallows for simultaneous preparation and firing of multiple missiles,enhancing survivability in high-threat environments.
At the core of the demonstration was the LY-80N missile, the export variantof China’s HQ-16, housed in the 32-cell VLS. This medium-rangesurface-to-air missile offers an engagement envelope of up to 70 kilometresagainst aircraft, cruise missiles and other aerial threats. During theexercise, the missile was hot-launched from a vertical cell, successfullyneutralising a manoeuvring low-observable target. Such capabilities providelayered air defence, allowing the frigate to protect not only itself butalso accompanying fleet assets from saturation attacks.
The VLS operates on a modular principle, where missiles are storedvertically in cells and ejected using gas pressure or hot launch mechanismsbefore ignition. This design reduces radar cross-section exposure andenables rapid salvo firing without the mechanical constraints of oldersystems. In the Pakistan Navy context, the integration of LY-80N withadvanced phased-array radars like the SR2410C enhances detection andtracking, creating a robust area-defence umbrella over key maritime zones.
Observers note that this capability poses notable challenges to regionaladversaries, particularly the Indian Navy. With supersonic anti-shipmissiles like the CM-302 also onboard, Tughril-class frigates can engagesurface targets at extended ranges while defending against aerialincursions. The enhanced air defence reduces vulnerability to Indiancarrier-based aircraft or missile strikes, potentially complicatingoperations in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. In contested scenarios, theVLS-equipped frigates contribute to area denial strategies, raising thethreshold for any aggressive naval manoeuvres.
The demonstration also reflects broader trends in Pakistan’s navalmodernisation. The four Tughril-class ships, all now commissioned, haveintroduced supersonic cruise missiles, advanced close-in weapon systems andimproved anti-submarine warfare tools. This has addressed previous gaps infleet air defence, where older vessels relied on point-defence systems withlimited range. The public showcase serves to deter potential threats whileboosting domestic confidence in indigenous operational readiness.
Strategic analysts highlight that such advancements alter the naval balancein South Asia. While the Indian Navy maintains numerical superiority withmultiple carriers and destroyers, the qualitative edge provided by VLStechnology on Pakistani frigates introduces uncertainty in force projectioncalculations. The ability to counter aerial threats effectively could forceadversaries to allocate greater resources to suppression missions, therebydiluting offensive potential.
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The exercise was witnessed by senior naval officials and demonstratedintegration with other assets, including unmanned systems for targetdesignation. It validates the Pakistan Navy’s focus on multi-domainoperations, where surface ships coordinate with air and subsurface elementsfor comprehensive maritime security. This event aligns with ongoing effortsto safeguard vital sea lanes and economic interests in the Arabian Sea.
In conclusion, the first public VLS demonstration on Tughril-class frigatessignals a new era for the Pakistan Navy, blending advanced technology withoperational proficiency. As regional dynamics evolve, these capabilitieswill play a pivotal role in maintaining strategic stability and deterrenceat sea.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tughril-classfrigate
Tags: Pakistan Navy, Tughril-class frigates, LY-80N missile, Indian Navy,Vertical Launch System
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