ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy is steadily progressing with its comprehensivelong-term plan to expand its fleet to approximately 50 ships, a strategicinitiative first formally outlined in 2021 by then-Chief of Naval StaffAdmiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi. This ambitious program aims to induct 20major surface combatants such as corvettes, frigates and destroyers,complemented by 30 smaller vessels including missile boats, patrol craftand support ships. The expansion addresses evolving maritime threats,safeguards vital sea lines of communication and supports the growingeconomic significance of ports under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC). Recent developments, including acquisitions from China and Turkey,indicate tangible advancement toward these objectives despite fiscalchallenges.
The foundation of this naval buildup traces back to Admiral Abbasi’saddress, which emphasized a structured response to regional dynamicswithout pursuing direct numerical parity with larger navies. Instead, thestrategy prioritizes qualitative enhancements, focusing on platformsequipped with advanced defensive systems and long-range strikecapabilities. This approach enables Pakistan to maintain credibledeterrence in its maritime area of responsibility while protecting coastalassets and trade routes essential to national prosperity.
Approximately 90 percent of Pakistan’s international trade transits by sea,underscoring the critical need for robust naval protection of shippinglanes and port facilities. The development of CPEC has further elevated thestrategic importance of Gwadar and other coastal installations,transforming them into key nodes for regional connectivity and energyimports. A stronger surface fleet is thus integral to ensuringuninterrupted maritime commerce and deterring potential disruptions thatcould impact economic stability.
In the surface domain, Pakistan has made notable progress throughinternational partnerships. The induction of four Type 054A/P frigates fromChina, equipped with sophisticated radar, electronic warfare suites andmulti-role weaponry, has significantly bolstered air defense andanti-surface capabilities. These vessels provide layered protection andextended operational reach, aligning with the tiered fleet structureenvisioned in the expansion plan.
Complementing these acquisitions, collaboration with Turkey under theMILGEM program has delivered advanced Babur-class corvettes, with vesselslike PNS Babur and others commissioned in recent years. These multi-missionplatforms emphasize versatility in anti-air, anti-surface andanti-submarine warfare, enhancing Pakistan’s ability to operate effectivelyin contested littoral and blue-water environments. Indigenous constructionat Karachi Shipyard further supports self-reliance in naval shipbuilding.
The plan also integrates undersea warfare as a cornerstone of deterrence.Pakistan continues to advance its submarine fleet through the acquisitionof eight Hangor-class vessels, derived from China’s Type 039B Yuan-classdesign featuring air-independent propulsion for extended submergedendurance. The first batch is expected to enter service in 2026, withdeliveries progressing smoothly and local construction underway forsubsequent units at Karachi Shipyard.
These submarines will augment surface forces by providing stealthyoffensive options and second-strike capabilities in the Arabian Sea.Equipped with advanced torpedoes and potentially cruise missiles, theycomplicate adversary planning and contribute to a balancedmulti-dimensional naval posture capable of holding threats at risk fromstandoff distances.
Regional naval developments have accelerated this modernization drive.India’s ongoing induction of advanced destroyers and frigates with verticallaunch systems for air-defense and long-range missiles has created a morechallenging operational landscape. Such platforms enable extended strikesunder protective cover, prompting Pakistan to prioritize asymmetricadvantages through quality over quantity and integrated force multipliers.
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Pakistan’s strategy avoids an arms race in sheer numbers, insteadconcentrating on credible combat effectiveness. By fielding vessels withpotent sensors, weaponry and networking, the navy aims to deny sea controlto adversaries while securing its own maritime interests. This pragmaticapproach reflects awareness of resource limitations and focuses onsustainable capability growth.
Fiscal constraints remain a key consideration in implementing the plan.While specific timelines and costs for the full 50-ship target were notdetailed in the 2021 outline, phased inductions tied to international dealsand domestic production demonstrate measured progress. Recent commissionsof frigates, corvettes and offshore patrol vessels illustrate commitmentdespite economic pressures.
The expansion also incorporates emerging technologies and forcemultipliers. Investments in unmanned systems, long-range maritime patrolaircraft and vertical takeoff assets are envisioned to enhance surveillanceand operational flexibility by the mid-2030s. Such integrations willsupport a hybrid fleet concept demonstrated in recent exercises in theNorth Arabian Sea.
Overall, this naval development program positions Pakistan to meetcontemporary maritime security challenges while contributing to regionalstability through deterrence. By safeguarding trade routes and CPEC-relatedinfrastructure, the enhanced fleet supports broader national objectives ofeconomic growth and strategic autonomy in a dynamic geopoliticalenvironment.
Source:https://defence-blog.com/pakistan-moves-forward-with-large-scale-naval-expansion-plan
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