ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy has formalised a landmark agreement withKarachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) to commence constructionof the Jinnah class multirole frigate, marking a significant advancement inthe country’s naval modernisation drive. The contract, signed in a ceremonyattended by senior naval officials and industry representatives, authorisesthe immediate start of steel cutting for the lead vessel, with a total ofsix frigates planned under the programme. Based entirely on the TurkishASFAT AS3400 design, the project incorporates full transfer of technology,enabling Pakistan to achieve greater self-reliance in complex warshipconstruction.
The Jinnah class, displacing over 3,300 tons, is engineered as a versatileplatform capable of asserting dominance across multiple domains of navalwarfare. It will be armed with advanced anti-ship and anti-air missiles,heavyweight torpedoes for subsurface engagements, and long-rangeland-attack capabilities through integrated vertical launch systems.
The inclusion of modern sensors, electronic warfare suites, and ahelicopter hangar further enhances its operational flexibility, allowingthe frigate to conduct independent patrols, escort high-value assets, orintegrate into larger task forces. Analysts view this acquisition as adirect successor to the ongoing Babur class corvette programme, which alsostems from Turkiye’s MILGEM initiative, thereby deepening the strategicnaval partnership between Islamabad and Ankara.
The agreement underscores Pakistan’s determined push towards indigenousdefence production amid tightening budgetary constraints and evolvingregional security dynamics. By transferring critical design andmanufacturing know-how, Turkiye enables KS&EW to build institutionalexpertise that extends beyond the Jinnah class, potentially supportingfuture submarine and destroyer projects.
This collaboration arrives at a time when global supply chains remainvolatile, making localised production a strategic imperative rather than amere cost-saving measure. The frigates are expected to enter serviceprogressively through the early 2030s, replacing ageing Type-21 vessels andsubstantially augmenting the surface fleet’s combat power.
In any prospective maritime conflict with India, the Jinnah class assumespivotal importance due to its multi-dimensional threat projection. TheIndian Navy currently operates a larger fleet with aircraft carriers andnuclear submarines, granting it numerical and reach advantages in theArabian Sea. However, six Jinnah class frigates equipped with supersonicanti-ship missiles and networked air defence systems would impose acredible area-denial bubble around Pakistani waters, complicating enemycarrier battle group operations.
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Their long-range strike capability could target coastal infrastructure ornaval bases along India’s western seaboard, thereby raising the cost ofaggression and deterring blockade attempts against Karachi and Gwadar.Moreover, the platforms’ anti-submarine suite counters India’s growingunderwater fleet, while their ability to launch land-attack munitionssupports joint operations with the Pakistan Army along contested littoralzones. In essence, these frigates transform Pakistan’s naval posture fromdefensive to balanced deterrence, ensuring freedom of manoeuvre in thenorthern Arabian Sea and safeguarding sea lines vital for energy importsand China-Pakistan Economic Corridor traffic.
The project also carries broader implications for regional stability. Amodernised Pakistan Navy reduces the asymmetry that has historicallyfavoured India, potentially encouraging diplomatic rather than coerciveresolutions to maritime disputes. Yet it may accelerate arms competition,prompting New Delhi to expedite its own frigate and destroyer programmes.For Pakistan, the successful execution of the Jinnah class will validatethe efficacy of Turkiye as a reliable defence partner and serve as a modelfor similar technology transfers with other allies.
Source: www.navy.mil.pk/press_release.html”>https://www.navy.mil.pk/press_release.htmlSource: www.asfat.com.tr/en/projects”>https://www.asfat.com.tr/en/projects