ISLAMABAD – China on Friday launched the second of four multi-role warships(Type-054A/P Class Frigates) being built for the Pakistan Navy during aceremony in Shanghai.

Commodore Azfar Humayun SI(M), Pakistan Navy Chief Naval Overseer (CNO), asand representatives of M/s China Shipbuilding Trading Company (CSTC) and HZShipyard attended the launch ceremony held at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard.

The launching of the warship comes as both sides celebrating the 70 yearsof their historic bilateral relations.

Commodore Azfar said that the induction of the Type 054A/P warships willsignificantly strengthen Pakistan’s maritime defense and deterrencecapabilities.

The Pakistan Navy has placed the order for four Type 054A/P frigates toChina in 2017, and the first ship was inducted in August 2020.

He also acknowledged the commitment of M/s CSTC and HZ Shipyard in keepingthis important program on track in difficult times of the ongoing globalpandemic.

The remaining warships are expected to be delivered in 2021.

According to the Pakistan Navy, Type-054A/P Frigates will be one of themost technologically advanced surface platforms of its fleet. They arefitted with latest surface, subsurface and anti-aircraft weapon systems.They will also be fitted with a range of electronic warfare, air andsurface surveillance, and acoustic sensors integrated through astate-of-the-art Combat Management System.