The Pakistan Navy (PN) or "Pākistān Bahrí'a" was created as the naval warfare branch of the Pakistan Armed Forces, under a 4 stars admiral acting as Chief of the Naval Staff and tasked of coastline surveillance between the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. It was established in August 1947 after the country's independence. The Navy grew from purchass and acquisitions before and in between the wars of 1965 and 1971, and more recently, after a serie of reforms and reorganizations plus the acquisition of new ships, Pakistan conducted humanitarian rescue operations at home and participated in multinational task forces under the UN banner as well as seaborne counter-terrorism.

Since its inception it has been a volunteer force, pitted against India twice and repeatedly deployed in the Indian Ocean as military advisor to Gulf Arab states in other conflicts under the UN. This is blue water navy, albeit modest, especially compared to the Indian Navy, for exampke lacking missile destroyers and aircraft carrier, but having submarines, a Naval Aviation and Marines, as well as a Maritime Security Agency acting as coast guard and special forces. Quite small by 14 August 1947 from a purely defensive role it is now far better provided, notably having a second strike capability with underwater missiles.


PNS Shamsher, a former River class frigate obtained in 1947 after the partition. The Pakistan CiC desperately tried for years to purchase missiles in the USSR and refit them with these, alongside two Bitter class frigates, all WW2 vintage.

For the first twenty-four years of its existence the Pakistan Navy faced the impossible task of maintaining maritime links between the two halves of history’s most geographically absurd state, round 3500 miles of hostile coastline. It inherited only two of the old RIN training establishments in August 1947. If that was not bad enough, the service came definitely last in the new Muslim state’s defence prioritics. In the air and on the ground Pakistan might hope to offset India’s permanent numerical advantage; never at sea. The Royal Pakistan Navy’s warships, like India’s, were Royal Navy transfers unul the early 1960s. A smaller cruiser acquired in 1956 was joined by a pair of ‘Battle’ class destroyers, more powerful and newer than India’s units, but on the other hand Pakistan could not match her neighbour’s seaborne air power. She did acquire the subcontinent’s frst submarine in 1964, an ex-US Tench class.

There was no maritime dimension to the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War though, according to the then Pakistan Air Force C-in-C, Indonesia offered to launch diversionary naval attacks. The service grew steadily in manpower from 7700 in 1963 to 9870 in 1970. But this build-up, including four submarines, could not match India’s and in the hectic days of December 1971 the navy’s strategic and numerical inferionty was glaringly revealed. In East Pakistan Rear-Admiral Shanti's tour large patrol craft and seventeen MG-armed civilian boats were heutralised by Indian carrier and land-based aircraft on the first day. Thereafter the sailors became soldiers in a lost cause. Off Karachi on the same day India’s Western Fleet sank the destrover Khatbur and a minesweeper in the largest surface action since 1945 before shelling and rocketing the naval base. This treatment was repeated on 9 December with three foreign merchant ships being hit as well.

Pakistan’s only naval consolation was the submarine Hangor’s sinking of the Indian frigate Khukn in the Arabian Sea. In defeat the navy turned to China for fast attack and patrol craft, receiving sixteen in 1972 73. By the end of 1980 the submarine force had been doubled and modernised US destroyers were being acquired. Volunteer manpower reached 22,000 in 1995 year with 5000 reserves. A naval ait arm of three Breguet Aulantic patrol aircraft and ten helicopters (both armed with AM-39 Exocet) was set up in 1975.

History

The 1947 partition

Before the Pakistani Navy there was the "Royal Indian Navy" as part of the british Empire. It ran with both Muslim and Hindu sailors. Following Gandhi's campaign for indepdendence, then postwar negociations, there was a division of the country which emerged with a Pakistan divided itself on both sies of the Indian continent, and a separation of armed forces, notably of the Royal Indian Navy in 1947. Muhammad Ali Jinnah addressed men and officers of HMIS Godavari in March 1948 about the creation of the Pakistani Navy on 14 August 1947:

Today is a historic day for Pakistan, doubly so for those of us in the Navy. The Dominion of Pakistan has come into being and with it a new Navy – the Royal Pakistan Navy – has been born. I am proud to have been appointed to command it and serve with you at this time. In the coming months, it will be my duty and yours to build up our Navy into a happy and efficient force.

The Armed Forces Reconstitution Committee (AFRC) under Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck, last CiC India divided shares and assets of the RIN between India and Pakistan following a ratio of 2:1. Thay way, the core of the Pakistani fleet was two sloops, two frigates, four minesweepers, two naval trawlers, four harbour launches.  In 1945–46, the AFRC allocated about 2/3 of the RIN to India a third to the Dominion of Pakistan, despite larger delta areas and coast to defende between the west Arabian sea and east Bay of Bengal. India late blocked all transfer of machinery at the Bombay Dockyard to Pakistan. So the navy started in a quite challenging position.


In addition to the 14 vessels, not nearly enough, there were 200 officers and 3,000 sailors, with its most senior being the Captain HMS Choudri which was chosen for his experience in staffing. 20 officers came from the Executive Branch of the Royal Indian Navy, six were mechanical engineers but there was no electrical engineer or specialist to maintain the weapons systems or machinery. There was inadequate staff, no operational base, poor financial support or skilled personnel. It was also seen as the least important military branch with federal budgets priority going to the army and Air Force. The most curcial point was the complete lack of facilities for maintenance. The only large dockyard on the subcontinent being in Bombay. Nevertheless Pakistan launched a massive recruitment programme in East Pakistan then in West Pakistan where it was decided to concentrate all efforts. But whatever preparations, the Navy was not ready for the war of 1948.

The early years 1947–1964

PNS Zulfiqar, former HMS Deveron, the other River class, bedrock of the fleet in the early dedade. The Navy had an insignificant role in the first Indo-Pak war, in 1947–48. Operations happened on land and the air only. Captain Choudri commanded however a former RIN destroyer from Karachi to Bombay to evacuated Muslim emigrants to Pakistan. In 1948, the Royal Pakistan Navy moslty focus of such humanitarian missions in hostile areas, the frigates making constant rotations with an adverse Command and control, so much so PM Liaquat Ali Khan started to hire experiences WW2 vets Royal Navy officers from the British Admiralty under full agreement of Rear Admiral James Wilfred Jefford which was eventually appointed as Flag Officer Commanding (FOC). He drafted the "Short-term Emergency Plan (STEP)" to manage a proper command and control in case of an escalation of the war at sea.

In 1948, the the staff corps, DGNI was created under Lieutenant S. M. Ahsan, first first Director-General headquartered in Karachi. By the end of 1948, the Navy had its first dedicated NHQ in Karachi, followed, via British contacts, to the acquisitions of potent ships, three ex-O-class destroyers now in surplus with donation arrangements made for a transfer by the Royal Navy. They arrived too late for the war, but were quite an upgrade in capabilities anyway. The first two were acquired in 1949 (September and November) and the third in March 1951. Prior to that in 19478 were transferred four frigates, two modified Bittern and two River class frigates which played their part in the wartime evacuations.

Articles list

• Cruiser Babur (1956-85)
• Tariq class DDs (1949)
• Taimur class DDs (1954)
• Badr class DDs (1956)
• Alamgir FRAM I DDs (1977)
• Babur missile DD (1982)

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• Jhelum class FFs (1848)
• Zulfiqar class FFs (1948)
• Zulfiqar ii class FFs (1988)
• Saif class FFs (1989)
• Badr class FFs (1989)
• Tariq class FFs (1993)
• Zulfiqar iii class FFs (2008)
• Tughril class FFs (2020)
• Jinnah class FFs (2030)
• Babur class FFs (2030)
• Yarmook class Corvettes (2020)
• Azmat class Corvettes (2030)

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• Ghazi(i) sub (1964)
• Hangor class subs (1970)
• Hashmat clas subs (1979)
• SX404 midgets subs
• Agosta90B class (2001)
• Hangor class subs

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• Basset class trawlers (1948)
• Rajhasi class LPC (1965)
• Lahore class LMC (1972)
• Baluchistan class LPC (1976)
• Azmat class FACM (1984)

HMS Creole, later PNS Alamgir, one of the four Ch-Cr class destroyers acquired in 1954.

In 1954 were acquired one Ch-Cr class destroyer, two more in 1956, one in 1958 as well two Battle-class destroyers in 1956 also, PNS Tippu Sultan and PNS Tariq. The Battle class were cold war destroyers equipped with the latest electronics and formed the 25th Destroyer Squadron. But 1956 saw also the acquisition of a proper flagship, first and last Pakistani cruiser: C84 Babur, the ex-Bellona class light cruiser (Dido type) HMS Diadem.

In 1950 already many officers from the air force and army volunteered to join the navy and a better support led to the establishment of logistics and maintenance notably in East Pakistan. In 1951, the government asked for a replacement of RN officers for native ones, and by 1953 the first native Pakistani Navy CiC was appointed but the British Admiralty maintained command through Rear-Admiral Jefford and his native deputy chiefs of staff, the commodore Choudhri, Khalid Jamil, Commander M.A. Alavi. To establish its existence to the world, thanks to the acquisition of a cruiser and destroyers, the Navy started also goodwill missions under the auspices of the Royal Navy. In 1953 HMS Choudhri became the first Pakistani vice admiral with support from army CiC General Ayub Khan. The 25th Destroyer squadron was commanded by a Polish naval officer, Commander Romuald Nalecz-Tyminski.


HMS Gabbard, later PNS Badr(i), one of the two Battle class destroyers acquired in 1956 and updated. They were the best assets of the fleet until the war of 1965 and submarine Ghazi.

In the mid-1950s, contracts were awarded to the Corps of Engineers in order to establish the Karachi Naval Dockyard. Alonsgide British ships aqcuisitions between 1953 and 1956, HMS Choudri negotiated with the United States to provide monetary support, hoping to modernize the old O–class/ch-Cr class destroyers and WW2 minesweepers. This ultimately succeeded when the USN sent advisers from 1955. This was the beginning of the end for British influence over the Pakistani Navy.

After promulgation of the Constitution of Pakistan the Pakistan Navy was formally established ("PN") with a new Jack and White Ensign in 1956. The British ships transfers announced in February 1956, were no longer donations, but purchased with funds MDAP (U.S. Military Assistance Program). In 1958, negociations with Sweden to sell Neptun-class submarines under MDAP failed however, halted by the US. In 1958–59 however, still scarce funds started a bitter interservice rivalry. Admiral Choudri eventually resignated to the Presidency in 1959. 

The Navy also started to enquire about the acquisition of an ex-British light aircraft carrier also under MDAP (partial), but when denied by the US, it was was deferred due to internal financial constraints. Instead it was decided to create a better deterrence via a potent submarine command. From 1956 to 1963, two destroyers and eight coastal minesweepers plus oiler were procured from the United States/UK in exchange of an alignment into the anti-Communist defence pacts SEATO and CENTO. That was a turning point, as India chosed at the contrary a non-aligment and rapprochement with USSR when it came to procurement.

The war of 1965

PNS Ghazi was an ex-US (USS Diablo) GUPPY Ia submarine which was probably the best asset of the Navy when commissioned in 1964. She played quite a role in that war.
After the resignation of Vice-Admiral HMS Choudri in 1959, Vice-Admiral Afzal Rahman Khan became the new CiC and worked out the procurement plan for submarine. Eventually the Royal Navy accepted to make regular visits to Karachi Naval Dockyard in order to provide a ground for submarine operations in 1960–61. The government also seeked American contributionsand eventually the U.S. Navy provided and eventually a first submarine, the ex-Tench class Ghazi under the Security Assistance Program (SAP). MoD decision was taken as India leased a first submarine from the USSR in 1963. UK also provided training eventually.

PNS Ghazi was committed in operations by 1965. In 1968, she made a circumnavigation of Africa and Southern Europe, refitted in Turkey. She was lost in the second war in 1971. At the time of the Kashmir (future Bangladesh) incursion in 1965, the Navy under CiC Admiral Afzal Rahman Khan ordered took up defensive positions off the coast but did not ventured in the Bay of Bengal. When Indian Air Force raids forced the Navy to take a more aggressive stance on 2 September, PNS Ghazi under K. R. Niazi was sent to garther intelligence on Indian naval moves and in particular INS Vikrant. On the night of 7/8 September, the Pakistani Navy committed a full squadron of four destroyers, one frigate, one cruiser, and its single submarinea all under command of Commodore S. M. Anwar for a shore bombardment on radar facilities of the IAF, and on Dwarka.

Ghazi then was deployed in front of the Western Naval Command at Bombay and went back to Karachi on 23 September. Russia was approached to provide missile systems, to be fitted on the former British frigates but it was objected due to India's objections. Postwar the US imposed however an embargo on Pakistan so the country began to divert its procurement notably from China, France, and the Soviet Union. The UK offered a joint development of the new Type 21 frigate but the Ayub administration maintained its cape on submarine procurement.

1966-69 reorganization

In 1966, the special operations force was created alongside the the Navy Special Service Group from UDS recommendations. In 1966–70, Pakistan kept negociating with the Soviet Navy for procurement and the latter only accepted to deliver some Osa-class FACs, but without the Styx missiles which were to arm frigates. However sticking with their strategic interests with India, it was never done. Pakistan will never acquire any vessel or weapons system from USSR. Negociations with European submarine manufacturers succeeded, not with UK or Germany, but France: In 1968, the Daphné-class submarines were procured while Ghazi was refitted and upgraded by the Turkish Navy. Delivery became a problem with the Egyptian blockade of the Suez Canal when Ghazi had to sail there and return. At the time only the Gölcük Naval Shipyard had a facility to manage refit the Tench class outside the US.

In 1970, relations with East Pakistan deteriorated, and the Navy knew it was impossible to defend East Pakistan from the Indian Navy. The governmùent thus recruit a local naval militia called the Eastern Naval Command but this proved to be a disaster as most Bengali naval officers and around 3,000 sailors defected to India, joining instead the Awami League, Mukti Bahini.

The war of 1971

By 1971, the Navy HQ were faced with a poor presence of the Pakistani Navy on Bengal's shores and absence of infrastructure for useful operations of the Eastern Naval Command. The Indian Navy had virtually free range in the Bay of Bengal. Only local riverine-based operations were planned, and forthis, the Navy Special Service Group (codename Barisal) arrived in April 1971. The Governor of East Pakistan was a navy officer, Vice-Admiral S.M. Ahsan. He made efforts to increase local naval presence already from 1969, while facing overwhelming opposition by the Indian Navy.

Later massive defections from Bengali officers and sailors jeopardised all operational hope. The few naval facilities were severely damaged on 15 March 1971 under Operation Jackpot. Meanwhile in Karachi it decided to at least deploy the newly modernized MLU Ghazi in the Bay of Bengal to collect intel and lead operations. Hangor of the new Daphne class was deployed in the West also for intelligence gathering purposes of the Indian Navy's moves on the Indian shores.


Agosta 90 submarines. They succeeded to the Agosta 80 (Hashmat) class submarines and to the previous Hangor class modelled after the French Daphne, and launched in 1969-70 but not delivered in time to take part in the war due to neutrality laws. They would certainly have broken the Indian blockade.

However this was not successful, as told by Admiral Mohammad Sharif to U.S. Admiral Zumwalt later in 1971. PNS Nazim, the ex-intel ship USS Wiltsie would become later the "on-sea" Pakistani headquarters. At that stage there was no naval aviation branch aither leaving Karachi vulnerable to Indian Navy attacks. The latter made a missile attack with three Soviet-built Osa-class missile boats, escorted by two ASW patrol vessels on 4 December 1971. The Styx missiles hit PNS Muhafiz and PNS Khaibar, both sunk, PNS Shahjahan damaged beyond repair. On 8 December 1971, Hangor, under Commander Ahmed Tasnim, sank the Indian frigate INS Khukri off the coast of Gujarat (the first of such sinkings since WW2) and at least redeemed the Pakistani Navy. Later she would also torpedo and badly damage INS Kirpan.

The Pakistan Air Force had to protect Karachi and made several raids to engage the Indian Navy's FAC squadron over the Okha Harbor, forward base but without much success whereas retaliation saw a second missile attack on the Pakistan's coast in the night of 8 December 1971 with a FAC and two frigates on Karachi sinking the Panamanian cargo ship Gulf Star, PNS Dacca and badly damaging the British merchant ship SS Harmattan. Meanwhile the Figates shelled the facilities, with some 1,700 sailors killed at the barracks.

Commercial pilots for the national Airline also volunteered for air surveillance missions. However not trained in identification, Cdre. A. W. Bhombal misidentified PNS Zulfiqar for an Indian missile boat, so she was fired at by Pakistani F-86 fighter jets. A serious friendly fire that eventually caused the loss of the ship, too badly damaged to be recoverable, plus the losses. Later the PAF was blamed to mistake a large WW2 frigate for a small OSA FAC, and the controversy went on for some years.

PNS Ghazi, more so, to add insult to injury sank en route under mysterious circumstances, later attributed to an internal explosion or mine, and indeed claimed by the Indian Navy. With most pcapability gone, the Indian Navy enforced a full blockade of East Pakistan, preventing all reinforcements by sea. This was not all as both the Indian Navy and Air Force estroyed in all seven gunboats, one minesweeper, two destroyers, three patrol craft, eighteen cargo, and supply or communication vessels, plus untold damage to naval facilities at Karachi and around.

Also were captured the merchants Anwar Baksh, Pasni and Madhumathi plus ten smaller vessels, 1,900 personnel lost, 14,13 captured in Dhaka. One frigate was damaged by an Indian Breguet Alizé, later shot down by the PAF. It amounted to 50% of the naval strenght. Many Pakistani scholars later reported the apparent lack of understanding of the Navy as a fully fledged service andwhat in can do in a combined arms strategy. What is certain is that despite its initial inferority in numbers, the poor performances could only be attributed in part to a deficient command, especially no clear direction from the government, and not the men and officers which acted diligently on call and raised to the occasion.

Modernization of the Navy (1972-90)

USS Epperson, later PNS Taimur, FRAM I. She was acquired in 1977 as Tariq, and other pairs followed in 1980, 82 and 1983. They were active for about ten years. After the 1971 war it was clear the Navy needed to be modernised radically and beefed up, now that after the partition of Bangladesh, its mission was solely to defend Paksitan's shores to the west, on the Arabian sea. It was sought to increase its operational readiness and set of achievable missions. Efforts were made to quicker promotions to naval officers and a more attractive military service by 1972–74. In January 1972 under the Bhutto administration a Commission was stup to investigate POWs held in Indian Eastern custody. A request was submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan to also investigate the broad causes of the failured of all thre branches. While in the US 1972, President Bhutto dishonorably discharged the commission of five senior admirals. By 1973, the Navy HQ was moved to Islamabad in order to work closer with the Army HQ in Rawalpindi.

In 1976, the Navy started acquiring British military computers from Ferranti to improved coastlines defence. The War Enquiry Commission noted the lack of strategic communication and lack of coordination between the four branches of the military. This led to the establishment of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, to maintain strategic inter-service communication with the federal government chaired by a main military adviser. For this the first Pakistani four-star rank admiral was created, Mohammad Shariff in 1977. In 1977, the United States transferred two refitted Gearing-class destroyer, a clear improvements over British frigates, and more destroyers follwoed in 1982–83 (FRAM types).

The Navy aslo started to look for other suppliers and turned to China, France, and the UK, but dependence grew on China over the 1980 and in particular the 1990s for all branches. In 1979, France offered to sell their Agosta-70A-class submarine, later commissioned as Hurmat and Hashmat. This gave a technological advantage over the Indian Navy's older Whiskey class boats notably. This became handy to conduct operations in the deeper Indian Ocean and at wider range.

In 1982, the Reagan administration submitted a proposal of US$3.2 billion aid for Pakistan for its economic uplift and security. The Congress also approved the transfer of the Harpoon system, despite a strong Indian opposition. In 1985, the Mirage 5V was acquired for a naval role, equipped with French Exocet A39 missile. Next was established the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency to maaged EEZ patrol and riverine, shore police work. Next, the PaK Navy started to make ventures into the Middle East through the Persian Gulf, deployed assets in Saudi Arabia in support of Iran–Iraq War related operations and tensions with Libya.

In 1982, the Reagan administration approved US$3.2 billion military and economic aid notably to acquire eight Brooke and Garcia-class frigates on a 5-year lease in 1988, establishing a modern ASW core. USS Hector, a depot ship, was also transferred in April 1988 under the Zia administration. This register in a deeper cooperation with the US to counter the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan nearby.

After the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989, the Bush administration imposed an arms embargo on Pakistan, by uncovering the existence of a covert atomic bomb program to the United States Congress. No transfer was made of maritime patrol aircraft, missile systems, and defence software from October 1990. With the expiration of the lease of the Garcia and Brooke-class frigates, the Navy had to return them but they were sold to India for scrapping. The embargo seriously impaired the Navy's capabilities due to deficient maintenance since it operated mostly former U.S.-built warships. This severing of relations meant Pakistan had to look to Europe for procurement (and China).

The Pakistani Navy post Cold War & cooperation

-1993: From 1987, the Pakistan Navy was interesed to acquire Brtitish Type 21 frigates and a purchase was approved in 1993 with expensive refitting and technological upgrades to be performed at Karachi. -In 1994, negotiation started with France to acquire new submarine technology after the idea of acquiring nuclear-powered submarine from China was abandoned due to the noise level plaguing PLAN SSNs at the time. The United States Navy still maintained good relations with the Pakistan Navy, inviting Pakistanis to participate in "Inspired Siren" exercise in 1994, even giving instruction on nuclear submarine and aircraft carrier operations.

The Pakistani arlmy in return joined the Somali Civil War operation, with the Navy patrolling the Somali coast.
-In 1995, the Navy was deployed in support of Operation United Shield after evacuating personnel and equipment of the army, marines, and air force. By 1996, the Brown amendment was introduced ending the embargo on Pakistan, allowing transfer of P3 maritime patrol aircraft.
-In 1997, the controversial technology transfer from France tarnished the public image of the Navy. Pakistan obtained still, despite Indian protests, an air-independent propulsion to upgrade its Agosta 90B-class submarine
-In 1999, the Navy was engaged in a dispite for operations with the Indian Army in Kashmir. Admiral Fasih Bokhari becam Chairman of the joint chiefs. The Pakistan Navy deploy its existing assets near Korangi Creek Cantonment and the Port of Karachi under Operation Talwar. -On 10 August 1999, in Sir Creek, the IAF (Indian Air Force) shot down a Pakistani P3C (16 Killed)
-On 29 August 1999, another P3C was lost due to an accident (20 killed). The Navy filed a lawsuit against the IAF at the International Court of Justice, but the claim was later dismissed.
After his incident a proposal was raised to switch the air-independent propulsion of Agosta submarine with nuclear propulsion, but the proposal was dismissed notably due to the reluctance of the Bhutto Gvt., despite enthusiasm from the French to procure a 900 MW civilian reactor. The Pakistani Navy also intervened in the War on Terror in Afghanistan and operations in North-West from 2001.
Let's cite the PNS Mehran Operation, Operation Rah-e-Nijat, PNS Mehran Operation, Operation Black Thunderstorm, Operation Umeed-e-Nuh, and Blockade of Yemen.


Persian Sea (June 25, 2005) – The fast-attack submarine USS Scranton (SSBN 756), the guided missile frigates USS Kauffman (FFG 59), USS Hawes (FFG 53) and two Pakistani Naval ships the (PNS) Shahjahan (DDG 186) and (PNS) Teriq (DDG 181) underway in column formation during the operation Inspired Siren. Inspired Siren is a bilateral joint exercise between the United States and Pakistan Navies. The U.S. and Pakistan are conducting training in Maritime Security Operations (MSO), air defense, anti- submarine warfare, surface warfare, mine counter measures, electronic warfare, replenishment at sea and command and control. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Robert R. McRill (RELEASED). PNS Shah Jahan and PNS Tippu Sultan, the Tariq-class guided missile destroyers, participating in Exercise Inspired Siren in the Indian Ocean in 2002

After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, sanctions on Pakistan were completely lifted as the US was about to need a full involvement in Afghanista, and use Pakistani support. This allowed funding and transfor of well-needed US-built weapon systems and warships to regain a level sufficient for standoff with India in 2001–02. In 2001, the Navy studied the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons on its submarines although there were some serious technological gaps that were hard to cross. But the Pakistani Army (which started development post-1971 war with Project-706) now was able to deploy missiles such as the Babur, tipped with tactical nuclear warhead, but deployed by the army. For a submarine-based ballistic missile, Pakistan according to a 2001 NRDC report had 24–48 HEU-based nuclear warheads with HEU reserves for 30–52 additional warheads. -In 2003, the USN3C estimated 35-95 nuclear warheads, with a median of 60, all high yeld. By 2018, around 130 and now probably above 170. The Babur, of the size of a Tomahawk, could indeed be already deployed from Pakistani submarines if tube-launched. Pakistan also has 6 operational nuclear-capable ballistic missiles and the Shaheen III and Shaheen 1A are under development with ranges of 2,750 km and 900 km as well as the Ababeel medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) believed to have multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) capabilities and a base for a possible submarine-launched ballistic missile for deterrence.

In 2003–04, the Pakistani Navy also hoped to purchase a vintage aircraft carrier, but the Navy later dismissed the idea due to the lack of support infrastructure and inadequation of the ocverall cost compare to existing doctrine and areas of operations.  -In 2002–03, the Pakistan Navy deployed its long range air assets in the Indian Ocean, and took part in naval drills to combat terrorism from seaborne platforms and negotiated with China for acquiring the technolog to built locally new guided missile frigates of the F-22P types, which were started in 2006–15.

-Since 2004, the Navy deployed in the Indian Ocean as part of the multinational NAVCENT exercise in Bahrain, and led CTF-150 and CTF-151 as well as taking part in Operation Enduring Freedom in 2006–10. -In 2008, the task Pakistani deployed a full Task Force comprising PNS Badr, PNS Shah Jahan, PNS Nasr, and deployed the Pakistan Air Force's Explosive Ordnance Disposal in an exercises to face seaborne terrorism. And for the War in Afghanistan, the Navy's special forces were deployed in Operations Black Thunderstorm, Rah-i-Nijat, and Mehran.
The Navy controlled insurgency in former tribal areas in Western Pakistan, managing logistics and intelligence gathering as well as ground operations with the army notably against al-Qaeda operatives. -From 2010 to 2011, the Navy was "purged", in a decisive action against TTP group and al-Qaeda, using Naval Intelligence to track down infiltrated militants within Navy ranks.
-In 2015, the Navy was deployed in support of the Saudi-led blockade of Yemen as requested.
-Ten years later, the Navy continued to increase its operational reach in the Indian Ocean and started an important procurement contract with Turkey defence talks with Turkey to jointly built the MILGEM project in 2018–2019 (a large fleet tanker) and announcing a nuclear submarine program in 2013. In between, the Babur 4 is expected to be launched from a submarine. The nuclear-tipped Babur-3 was indeed sea-launched (undersea) but from a test land platform. With the coming acquisition (2025) of the Hango class submarines, derived from the PLAN's Type 039B, a stretched-out design using a Chinese-designed PWR to replace the current Stirling-powered AIP would lead to a possible version fitted with SLBMs in the future.

Organization

The Pakistani naval command structure

The American Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, inspecting Pakistan Navy sailors at the Navy NHQ in Islamabad in 2009

At the head is the Chief of the Naval Staff which is a four-star admiral and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, nominated by the Prime Minister, appointed by the President. Ths post is subordonated to the Minister of Defense, controlling the department of navy from the Naval Secretariat at the MoD center in Karachi, managing all bureaucratic aspects. The Constitution points out the President of Pakistan as civilian CiC of the Armed Forces and large, and the PM is Chief Executive.

The Chief of Naval Staff is an appointed four-star rank admiral, principal military adviser on maritime security affairs to the Federal government and senior member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee briefing the Prime Minister and its executive cabinet. The Navy NHQ is located in Islamabad close to the Joint Staff Headquarters and Army GHQ in Rawalpindi, Punjab. The CNS controls and commands the Navy at all levels assisted by his Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) commissioned at the three-star, two-star rank admirals. Pakistan Navy unique command structure reflect both British and US practices.

There are seven military staff commands in the navy, all administrative under the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff and Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff ranked as commodore, one-star rank senior officer reporting to the DCNS. Deputy Chiefs Of Naval Staff are 2/3 star ranked.

Organization

• Director General, Naval Research and Development Institute
• Director General, Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence
• Naval Secretariat, Naval Secretary
• Director General, Naval Intelligence
• Director General, Public Relations

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• Naval Operations, Surface warfare
• Underwater warfare
• Electronic Warfare
• Communication
• Navigation
• Naval Supply
• Logistics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Judge Advocate General Corps
• Weapons Engineering Branch
• Naval Aviation
• Medical
• Naval Police
• Naval Intelligence
• Marines Corps
• Navy SEALs
• Maritime Security Agency
• Special Branch: Chaplain (Khatib) Service

Since restructuring and reorganisation there are today eight operational and tactical field commands, with the surface, aviation and submarines commands reporting directly to the senior Pakistan Fleet Command, each under a senior flag officer (2/1 star rank, Vice-Admiral or Rear-Admiral). There is the Commander Karachi (COMKAR), Commander Central Punjab (COMCEP), and Commander Northern (COMNOR), responsibe of local naval installations and offshore establishments, as well as training facilities, see 'bases" below. In 2012, the Naval Strategic Forces Command was created to manage the sea-borne nuclear second strike capability. Peacetime commands comprises the Headquarters at Islamabad in Pakistan, Operational, Tactical Commands with Subordinate combat squadrons responsible for operational deployments Surface, Sub, Aviation and ensuring their operational readiness. The Commander, Karachi (COMKAR) and subordonated offshore establishments, training schools, and coastal defence, Karachi coast. The Commander, Coast (COMCOAST) Directs the coastal command from the Iranian border to Indian borders. The Commander, Naval Strategic Forces Command is responsible for the nuclear second strike capability The Commander, Logistics (COMLOG) oversee maintenance, logistics, material readiness in shipyard. The Sea Training (FOST) oversees training deployment. The Commander, Central Punjab (COMCEP) Oversees deployments of the War College in Punjab The Commander, West (COMWEST) directs operation on Western Pakistan, with Commander, North for Northern Pakistan The Commander, Depot (COMDEP) is oversee all the naval supplies and materials stored and distributed, works with COMLOG. The Commander, Naval Aviation is reporting to COMPAK The Commander, Submarines (COMSUBS) reports to COMPAK The Director of Procurement, Navy purchases equipments and supplies for the navy, reports to DCNS.

Special operations forces

The Special Service Group (Navy), SSG(N) or SSGN is an elite unit for unconventional warfare, diving, interdiction and asymmetric operations, shaped after the Navy SEALs from 1966. It saw action in the war of 1971. This branch is headquartered at PNS Iqbal, Karachi where weapon tactics training is done. Its modenr tasks as boarding suspect ships (board, search, seizure, scuttling or interdiction) as well as security operations and prevention of seaborne terrorism.

The number of personnel remains classified as its deployment. In 1970–71, the Pakistan Marines were created to manage amphibious warfare operations, heavily influenced by the USMC, until decommissioned in 1974. On 14 April 1990 it was recommissioned and reached 2,000 personnel. Advanced training is done at the School of Infantry and Tactics in Quetta, Balochistan. The 1st Marines Battalion is also specifically trained for infiltration and AA warfare operations, deployed in Sir Creek.

Combat Doctrine

The Current Pakistan Naval doctrine had been shaped to avoid the 1971 Indian blockade of its coasts and until 1971, the Pakistan Navy lacked clear direction, being a glorified coast guard without strategy to protect sea lines of communication. In 1971 the blockade of Chittagong and Karachi completely nullified any possibility of action. Not breaking the blockade led to economic hardship and cutting communication with east Pakistan. Postwar, the federal government massively increased funding and focused on the development of more aggressive deployments and long-range, in depth operations off the Indian coast. Submarines were tasked to to target and destroy Indian surface assets and then staand guard off Indian ports. Karachi harbour was mined, and this led to take mine warfare seriously. There was a setup to prevent also at sea incoming missile attacks. In 1983–85, Dassault Mirage 5 were purchased from France modified to carry the Exocet missile and create a mobile 500 kilometres (310 mi) threat area in the Indian Ocean.

Routine deployments are done with the Combined Task Forces and since 1999, Pakistan Marines's special reconnaissance forces deployed from Sir Creek are better formed for offshore protection against Indian paradropped spec ops incursions from the sea and its own deployment behind enemy lines with HALO/HAHO airdrop or usung Italian built midget submarines. With the development of the INS Arihant, the Pakistan Navy launched is own nuclear powered submarine program with Chinese help by 2012. In 2017 the ISPR announced the acquisition of its first sea-based second strike capability with the nuclear SLCM based on the Babur cruise missile, albeit short range. There are no plan for a SSBN (known) actually but certaionly of AIP nex generation miss-carrying subs, tube-launched, with that short range nuclear strike capability.

The Pakistani fleet in detail

Surface Fleet

Ships are prefixed "PNS" for Pakistan Navy Ship. Naming conventions are selected by the Ministry of Defense, honouring important people or places, then commissioned by the President. Today the fleet comprises circa 100 vessels including those of the Maritime Security Agency and Pakistan Marines, down to their inflatables ribs. The Navy diversified uch its procurement given ucertain politics with Turkish, American, Chinese and local construction.

This includes the Turkish-designed Babur class corvettes, locally-built Zulfiquar-class frigate with Chinese assistance. Decommissioning of Tariq class destroyers (Gearing) was compensated by additional Zulfiquar-class frigates by 2021 and acquisition of the Type 054A frigates from China from 2017. The Tariq class guided missile destroyers served with the 25th Destroyer Squadron. The F-22P Zulfiquar class guided missile frigates serves with the 18th Destroyer Squadron completed by the OH perry class PNS Alamgir since 2011. In 1992, the French Navy transferred its Tripartite-class minehunter and took part in the design of local Munsif-class minehunters.


INDIAN OCEAN (March 8, 2009) A Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boat from USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) approaches Pakistani patrol boat Larkana (PB 157) off the coast of Pakistan during a personnel transfer. Lake Champlain and ships from seven other countries are participating in the multinational naval exercise AMAN, an Urdu word meaning peace. The 10-day exercise, which began March 5, focuses on air, surface and maritime security training and includes representatives from 38 countries as well as ships from 11 nations to include the United States, United Kingdom, Pakistan and Australia. The at-sea portion of the exercise is primarily conducted in the North Arabian Sea, off the coast of Pakistan. Lake Champlain is deployed as part of the Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group supporting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of operations. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment and complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremistsí use of the maritime environment to transport personnel and weapons or serve as a venue for attack. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

In 2011, the Navy commissioned its Azmat-class corvette (Chinese Type 037II) Houjian FAC/M. with the 10th Patrol Squadron, reinforced by two Jurrat-class missile boats (German-designe) and Turkish design MRTP. The Larkana-class gunboats were produce at KSEW Ltd, Karachi as the Fast Patrol Craft Squadron. There is a force of coast guard ships used by the Maritime Security Agency mostly imported from China or locally build. They guard seaborne borders. In 2017, the Pakistan Navy negociated with the Turkish Navy to acquire four MILGEM-class ships and for a technology transfer on 5 July 2018. The Pakistan Navy Fleet Tanker Project (PNFT) also was a joint project with Turkey as prime contractor from 2018.


Chinese Type 054A frigates

On 1 June 2018, Pakistan Navy ordered four Type 054As frigates, commissioned 2021. In 2021 outgoing Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi profesed to add 50 more vessels, including 20 major surface combatants, including four modified Ada class corvettes from Turkey and two multi-purpose Yarmook class corvettes from Damen Shipyards and twenty fast attack missile boats which remains to be sourced.

Submarines

PNS Hamza, an air-independent-powered Agosta 90B-class submarine, being prepared to go through the depth tests in 2007 Established in 1964, the Submarine Command is tasked to conduct clandestine military reconnaissance, intelligence gaterhing and precision strikes in wartime. Eight submarines are in active service, with the Hashmat-class (Agosta-70A) three Italian–designed, locall midget Cosmos-class (X-Craft 140) submarines. The Agosta had an air-independent propulsion (AIP) for longer range and deeper dives, armed with tube-launched Exocet and Babur-III missiles. Two have undergone refitting and modernisation by STM in Turkey.


Yuan class diesel electric submarine In 2014, Pakistan negociated with China to procure four Yuan-class AIP powered submarines, and a technology transfer signed in April 2015. This is the Hangor-class, with AIP, in joint-venture for a commissionion between 2023 and 2028. The 039B or Hangor class planned for 2025-2030 are well underway, but only propelled by a combo of diesel engines and Stirling-powered air-independent propulsion. There will be probable negociations for the delivery of a Chinese PWR for a possible future upgrade.

After INS Arihant was made public, the Pakistan Navy obbtain an agreement fore the procurement of a nuclear-powered submarine scheduled for a commission in 2028, likely negociated with China. In April 2014, submarine operations were moved to the new Jinnah Naval Base in Ormara with training at PNS Abdoze, Karachi. By May 2008 was established also on USN advice the Fleet Acoustic Research and Classification Centre to have good safety standards and underwater tracking.

Pakistani Auxiliary Ships

Back in 1987 was commissioned PNS Nasr, a Fuqing-class fleet tanker from China, after the commissioning of PNS Moawin (A20), Poolster class, Dutc design of 1988. In 1995, the Poolster-class PNS Moawin was badly damaged by a fire accident claiming lives during a refitting at Karachi shipyard. The Navy also operates two coastal tankers, indigenously designed, locally built at the Karachi Shipyard with PNS Gwadar and PNS Kalmatcommissioned in 1984 and 1992.

-1992: For mine warfare, a first extension was made that year, with the Navy increasing its operational capabilities for mine countermeasures by commissioning PNS Munsif (French Navy), and making a technology transfer to Pakistan, commissioning two more mine countermeasure vessels of the same class minehunter in 1996 and 1998. Like the replenishment oil tankers, they are part of the 9th Auxiliary Squadron.

-In 2011, the Navy commissioned two small tankers/utility ships (STUS), PNS Madadgar and PNS Rasadgar to support logistics and operations overseas. The Navy today is supported by a utility fleet comprising the following: -Six replenishment oil tankers -Three minehunters -Four Griffon 2000TD hovercraft (amphibious landings) -Four Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM), same. Modern vessels from KSEW Ltd. in 2016. The same year, the Pakistan Navy established the 21st Auxiliary Squadron to bolster logistics and enable hydrological survey of the ocean, to find valuable ressources in its EEZ, and perform necesary dredging operations in its training areas and ports, bases. Training of the cadets is still conducted by a dedicated Sail Training Vessel (see later). The 21st Auxiliary Squadron comprises in that guise, the tall ship PNS Rah Naward (acquired from the United Kingdom in 2010) and the dredging ship PNS Behr Khusha commissioned from China in 2008, adding to the old PNS Behr Paima commissioned from Japan in 1983. All remains in service today. In 2018, PNS Moawin (A39) was built, marking a ride in domestic capabilities as this fleet oiler was built on a Turkish design with assistance from Turkey, and became the largest warship ever built in Pakistan.

Pakistani Coastal Defence

One annex branch of the Pakistan Navy, following the Soviet and Chinese doctrines, is coastal defence, using mobile antiship missiles stations, truck-mounted. -In 1971 with the Indian Navy's introduction of anti-ship missiles, Pakistan was still using coastal artillery and followed vintage tactics inherited from World War II. So a great effort of modernization was dfone postwar to acquire missile and radar systems, the CAMM-ER, LY-80, FM-90, FN-16, Anza and the Mistral system as of now. -In 2016, the Navy accepted the Harbah cruise missile, based on the Babur design, test fired from PNS Himmat (Azmat-class missile boat). The same year, the Navy accepted the Zarb cruise missile (fired on 10 April 2016). The Harbah and Babur–III are variants and derivatives of the improved cruise missile developed for the Pakistan Army, Babur missile system. It comes with launcher vehicles, a radar detection vehicle, targeting and command vehicle and support vehicle.

Pakistani Marines

The Pakistan Marines was founded as an expeditionary and amphibious warfare service back on 1st June 1971, with the Indo-Pak war about "east pakistan" (later Bangladesh) for riverine and shore operations. Indeed it was initially created in East-Pakistan, to assist the Pakistan Army in riverine warfare. Tjeir task was notably to evacuate Pakistan Army units from encirclement by Indian Army. They were headquartered in PNS Bakhtiar and PNS Titumir. They were decommissioned in 1974 and recommissioned and reorganized in 25 November 1990 by Cdr. Obaidullah. Now an integral component of the Navy, they are specialized in expeditionary operations with army-Navy special forces, trained for quick response and marine reconnaissance as well as guarding coastal and amphibious regions. Marines are tasked notably of ground based air defence, trained at the School of Infantry and Tactics in Quetta, common with the Pakistan Army.

Bases

Manora Fort, "PNS Qasim Marine Base" since 1995. Before that, PNS Himalaya from 1990. 1st Marines Battalion: NHQ Pakistan Naval Complex, head of the Commander, Coastal Areas (COMCOAST) 2nd Marines Battalion: PNS Qasim, Karachi district. 3rd Marines Battalion: PNS Akram, Port of Gwadar Marines Amphibious Wing: PNS Qasim, Karachi Coast 1st Creek Battalion: Sujawal District, Sir Creek/Keti Bandar/Shahbandar area 21st Air Defense Battalion: Jinnah Naval Base/COMWEST, Gwadar District Coastal Areas 23rd Air Defence Battalion: Sujawal, Sir Creek/Kori area. School: PNS Himalaya. Pakistan Naval Academy: Karachi Marine Training Center (MTC): PNS Qasim Final training at the Army School of Infantry and Tactics.

Assets

Pakistani marines landing from an LCM at Bright Star 09. For the ships, see the list later. In total, 10,000 men, served by 20 Marine Assault Boats (MAB), 18 Hovercraft (L215 class from 2014), 2 LCMs (+reserve LCUs), and the Tarseel class and Balochistan class ferries and barges. It's a very limited naval force for such a number of marines. There is in particular no LHD or dedicated assault ship to do proper projection. In case of a large deployment, Pakistan follows the Chinese doctine of mobilizing commercial Ro-Ro and Barges for the task at hand. There can be also an initiative to built civilian Ro-Ro in Pakistan that can be used for military purposes as well (for example with decks strong enough to support tanks). -The primary, and standard rifle issued for the Navy is the POF G3P4, standard issue by the MoD, based on the German Heckler and Koch G3. -The full list is: G3, M4 carbine, SiG-516, Steyr AUG, Type 56, MG3, M249, PK-16, M2 Browning, Dragunov, Barret M82, HK MP5, Glock, Webley, M203. -The Marines does not operates vehicles in proper, they are provided if need by by the army. Let's cite the amphibious-capable M113 based HIT Maaz, Mouz and Sakb plus hundreds of mobilizable regular M113A1/A1P and VCC-1/2. The Marines also operate, for local air defence (short range) the FN-16 MANPAD tested on 25 December 2010 by Pakistan Marines (range 6 km, altitude 3.5 km). The Marines (and Navy at large) also operated the Mistral, shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile, test fired on 25 December 2010.

Pakistani Naval Aviation

-In 1968–69, the Navy NHQ staff wanted assets separate from the Air Force (PAF) and independent naval air arm. The US eventually accepted a transfer of P3B Orion in 1970 under the Yahya administration, but they arrived by the late 1970s and were replaced in the 2000s after the 1990 embargo was lifted by more modern P3Cs. -In 1974, the Naval Aviation branch was established, with the transfer of the Westland Sea King helicopters from UK in 1975. -In 1979 the Navy tested an Exocet missile and obtained the ability for these helicopters to fire the Exocet, or from a reconnaissance aircraft. One branch was develop also to bring Navy's logistical support at all level of commands through helicopters, plus tasked such as search and rescue, special operations, ASW and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) with the Exocet. Unlike the Indian Navy, the Pakistan Navy does possessed aircraft carrier-borne assets and strike capability. Instead, land base aircraft from the Mehran Naval Air Station in Karachi are used. The P3 Orion is also capable of carrying up to three Babur class missiles under wings puylons or in its weapons bay.  Navy Pilots are trained at the shared Air Force Academy in Risalpur. The Pak Navy operates today the Lockheed P-3 Orion, ATR 72 and Hawker 800 as fixed-wing aircraft. Plus those of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA) The rotary-wing park includes the Harbin Z-9 and Westland Sea King.

Bases

From 1947 to 1991, the Pakistani naval infrastructure and bases were primarily in Karachi, with the exception of the Navy NHQ in Islamabad. In the 1950s, the United States Navy helped equipping the Karachi Naval Dockyard, with new docks and facilities built for wartime operations. PNS Dhaka in East Pakistan was the only naval base, for coastal operations only, lost in the 19741 Indo-Pak war. After the Indian Navy's missile attacks in Karachi in 1971, the Navy moved its operational assets in Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa area. These naval bases are tasked of logistics and maintenance support, armoury and ammunition support, air stations, military hospitals, SEALs teams, coastal and missile defences, missile boats and submarine bases as well as operating bases. -PNS Zafar is the major logistics naval base for the western and northern Pakistan -PNS Lahore is the naval forward operating base at the vicinity of the Naval War College. -PNS Mehran: Naval Air Station Mehran, followed by NAS Makran, Ormara, Turbat and Manora Island. -PNS Siddiq (2017): Support base for aerial missions, reconnaissance group. -PNS Hameed (2017) is a VLF facility near the Karachi coast in relation to PNS Iqbal and PNS Qasim for the Navy Special Service Group and Marines. -The Jinnah Naval Base (and Kalmat Naval Base) are dedicated to maintenance of strategic assets such as future nuclear-capable submarines and nuclear missiles of the Navy. Like inter-services branches, Pakistan had agreements and permanently bases in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for joint overseas operations.

Naval Academy and schools

Each branch in the navy offers specialisation. Officers interested in joining a particular service have to pass aptitude tests and then attend a specialised school for two to three years, reaching a college degree. The Pakistan Navy offers a wide range of lucrative careers to high school graduates in technical fields, issuing state-sponsored specialised diplomas and certifications at PNS Karsaz and PNS Bahadur centers, and schools for operations, underwater, surface weapons, communications, and the naval police. Instruction in technical fields, engineering are primarily taught at the Pakistan Navy Engineering College opened for military and public admission, also with college degree programs bith at undergraduate and post-graduate level. -In 1947, there was no technical schools for the Navy for maintenance and machinery so the Pakistan Naval Polytechnic Institute (PNPI) was created in 1951 and the Navy Engineering College in 1962. Admissions are open to public and military personnel. -From 1947 to 1967, the Navy relied on Royal Navy training at all levels of schooling, sending most of its officers and enlisted men to the Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth and Royal Naval College in Greenwich, for communication and navigation. Staffing training was brought by the US by the International Military Education and Training (IMET) under the Security Assistance Program (SAP) with USN officers. -In 1966, the Pakistan Naval Academy was established on the model of the US naval academy for Commanders. -In 1968, the Naval War College was established in Lahore, working like the US Naval War College for staffing and naval warfare, wargames and strategy. It is shared with officers in the army and air force. -In 1970, the School of Logistics and Management was established, als opened to personal from the army, air force, and marines. After the 1971 war with India, more schools on strategy, naval warfare, and weapons tactics were created withing PNS Bahadur in 1981.

Full list

The Ex-British BELLONA class cruiser had been originally launched at Hawthom Leslie on 29.2.56 as HMS Diadem. Before beibng sold to Pakistan and renamed C84 BABUR (i) she had been refitted at HM Dockyard in Portsmouth. Her bridge was modified as well as her radar upgraded and lattice masts reinforced. Babur was the Mogul emperor. She was recommissioned on 5 July 1957 and adapted as a training ship after her 1961 refit, then reduced to harbour service until replaced in 1982 by the new Babur, renamed Jahangir. The C prefix dropped from pennant number in 1963. She was BU in 1985. Ex-British ‘O’ class destroyers. Class: -D21 TARIQ (i) Fairfield 30.11.49 BU 1959 (ex-Offa) -260 TIPPU SULTAN (i) John Brown 30.9.49 Stricken 1980 (ex-Onslow) -261 TUGHRIL (i) Fairfield 3.3.51 Stricken 1977 (ex-Onslaught). Refit and conversion of Tippu Sultan and Tughril to Type 16 frigates with US MDAP funds agreed in London on 29 April 1957. Both ships were converted at Liverpool but Tariq was handed back to RN in 1959. Tughril was disarmed in 1977 and used as midshipmen’s naval academy training ship. Tippu Sultan was stripped 1980 with her hulk being used as a work platform.
Ex-British ‘Ch’ and ‘Cr’ class destroyers. Class: -TAIMUR (i) (ex-Chivalrous) Denny 29.6.54, BU 1961 -D 160 ALAMGIR White 29.2.56 BU 1982 (ex-Creole) -D 162 JAHANGIR White 29.2.56 BU 1982 (ex-Cnispin, ex-Craccher) -D 164 SHAH JAHAN Thornycroft 16.12.58 BU 1982 (ex-Chanty). Taimur was lent by RN after 22 October 1953 agreement, handed over at Liverpool, and returned to UK in 1960. Alamgir and Jahangir bought in 1956 and modernised with US MDAP funds by Thornycroft being handed over to the Pakistan Navy on 18 March and 20 June 1958 respectively at Southampton. Shah Jahan bought by US under MDAP and handed over at Cowes after refit by White. Ex-British ‘BATTLE’ class destroyers. Class: -D 161 BADR (i) launched Swan Hunter 29.2.56, BU 1989 (ex-Gabbard) -D 163 KHAIBAR (i) Fairfield 29.2.56 Sunk 5.12.71 (ex-Cadiz). Modernised and refitted with US MDAP funds, Badr at Yarrow being handed over on 24 January 1957 and sailing for Karachi from Portsmouth on 17 February 1957 Khazbar refitted by Gowan, Glasgow, and handed over 1 February 1957, Both named aftewr early Islamic victories. Kharbar sunk off Karachi by Indian ‘Osa’ FAC 5 December 1971. Badr became HQ ship of the new Maritime Safety Agency in 1985. These Ex-US GEARING (FRAM J) class destroyers became the greatest asset of the Pakistani Navy when they arivced in the 1980s. Plus they were compatible with Turkish upgraded ones for overhauls. Class: -D 160 ALAMGIR (Built at Bethichem, transferred 1.10.82 as ex-Cone, decommissioned 4 December 1998 -D 164 SHAH JAHAN (ii) (Bethichem, 1.10.83, ex-Harold J. Ellison), discarded 1995. -D 165 TARIQ (ii) (Federal, 29.4.77 ex-Wltyte) MSA 1990 -D 166 TAIMUR (ii) (Federal, 29.4.77 ex-Epperson) Disposed of 1994 -D 167 TUGHRIL (ii) (Todd-Pacific, 30.9.80, ex-Henderson) Disposed of 1994 -D 168 TIPPU SULTAN (ii) (Bethlehem, 30.9.80 ex-Damato. Disposed of 1994 The First pair was refitted by Campbell Industries in San Diego for $7.43m in 1977-78. Tariq was completed by 2 June 1978, Taimur 16 February 1978. Tariq replaced Badr as flagship of Maritime Safety Agency 25 January 1990 and renamed Nazim (D 150). Now alare disposed off since the late 1990s.
Ex-British ‘COUNTY’ class guided missile destroyer. She became C84 BABUR (ii) originally from Swan Hunter, transferred in Feb 1982 as ex-London, bought in February 1982 and refitted, with Seaslug SAM system removed at the stern. She was handed over 24 March 1982 and her flight deck extended adn reinforced to fly Sea King Mk.45 and she had Mk 15 Phalanx CIWS added on the former hangar plus three twin 37mm/45 gun mountings added. She carried usually the Alouette III helicopter, and operated the type 170B and type 174 sonars, replaced by a type 176 sonar. She became a training hulk in 1993. So short service here again.

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These were ex-British modified BITTERN class frigates. Class: F40 JHELUM Thornycroft 1948 BU 1959 (ex-Narbada), F32 SIND (Thornycroft transferred 1948) for disposal c1960. Transferred by India in 1948. Sind was refitted by its original builders at Southampton 1949-50 and toured Australasian ports 1951. Jhelum was refitted 1950-51, retaining her tripod mast until also replaced by lattice in Karachi 1955. Also fitted as flagship. These were Ex-British ‘RIVER’ class frigates. Class: -F265 ZULFIQUAR (Smiths Dock) transferred 1948, BU 1983 (ex-Dhanush, ex-Deveron) -F392 SHAMSHER (Smiths Dock) transferred 1948, BU 1960 (ex-Nadder) Both transferred by India in 1948, Shamsher became a training ship. Zulfiquar became a survey ship in 1951 with her aft 4-in removed to fit a charthouse. She surveyed for the new port of Chalna, East Pakistan. Renumbered 262 in 1963. Class: -F262 ZULFIQUAR acquired 14.10.88 (ex-Apollo), discarded 2001. F263 SHAMSHER 15.7.88 (ex-Diomede), discarded 2007. Ex-British ‘LEANDER’ class frigates. Two broad-beamed Leanders were bought from the Royal Navy in 1988, The only change made was to add an Alouette III helicopter. Class: Saif, Alsat, Khaibar, Siqqat acquired in 1989; returned in november 1993, placed on disposal list, BU. So just 4 years service. Ex-US ‘GARCIA’ class frigates No Name Acquired Fate F 264 SAIF 31.1.89 Returned Jan 1994 (ex-Garcia) F265 ASLAT 8.2.89 Returmed 14.11.93 (ex-O’Callahan) F 266 KHAIBAR (ii) 31.3.89 Retumed 14.11.93 (ex-Brumby) F267 SIQQAT 31.5.89 Returned 1993 (ex-Koeisch). Four ASW frigates were acquired from the US Navy and arrived at Karachi in July 1989, Mk 15 Phalanx CIWS to be fited 1991 92, but towed array removed before Saif was handed over. Class: F161 BADR (ex-Fulius A Furer), F162 HARBAH (ex-Brooke), F163 TABUK (ex-Richard Page), F164 HUNAIN (ex-Talbot), acquired 1989, Returned in 1993, also 4 years service. Ex-US BROOKE class missile AAW frigates acquired from the US Navy and arriving at Karachi July 1989. Badr received Mk 15 Phalanx CIWS on flight deck in 1990, others followed.

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Author's rendition of PNS Ghazi A single fleet snorkel ww2 Tench class submarine. Ex-US TENCH class submarine No Name Builder Acquired Fate S130 GHAZI (i) Portsmouth 1.6.64 Sunk 4.2.71 (ex-Diabolo) N Yd Loaned by USN after Fleet Snorkel conversion at Philadelphia N Yd. Commissioned Ghazi (‘Defender of the Faith’) at USN Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut. Sunk by Indian ASW surface ships off Visakhapatnam while trying to torpedo the carrier Vikrant at the start of the third Indo-Pakistan War.
Class: S131 HANGOR, S 132 SHUSHU (both launched 12.1.70), S 133 MANGRO launched 8.8.70, S 134 GHAZI (ii) launched 25.1.69, ex-Cachalote. French Daphne class from Brest, Arsenal de La Ciotat and AC Dubigeon with some internal modifications for Pakistani service. First pair laid down 1 December 1967 and in service 12 January 1970. Second laid down 8 July 1968 and in service 8 August 1970. Ghazi was bought from Portugal in December 1975. Hangor torpedoed and sank the Indian INS Khukri on 9 December 1971, first such attack since 1945. They were all stricken in 2006.
Class: PNS Hashmat (S135), PNS Hurmat (S136). S135 HASHMAT AC Dubigeon 7.2.79 Extant (ex-Astrant) 1995 136, HURMAT AC Dubigeon 6.2.80 Extant (ex-Adventurous). Ex-South African. When France cancelled an order for Agosta class submarines destined to South Africa, they were quickly bought by Pakistan in November 1978, built in 1976-79. Hashmat was completed on 17 february 1979 and was at Karachi by 31 October 1979. Hurmat was completed on 17 February 1980 and at Karachi on 11 August 1980. SM-39 Exocet not fitted. Italian SX 404 type midget submarines. Displacement: 40t Dimensions: 52ft 5in oa x 6ft 7in 16.97m x 2.0m Machinery: 1-shaft electric = 11kt/6! 2kts. Range 1200nm surface, 60nm underwater Complement: 4 Commercial rather than naval design of midget submersible capable of carrying 12 passengers. Built 1972-73 by Cosmos, Livorno, and five out of six still inservice. Diving depth 330ft (100m). One lost at sea 27 December 1976. See under Taiwan. Replaced by three new midgets in 1990s, probably of SX 756 design. Three 150t midgets built with Italy, mini-submarines designed by Italian firm M/s COSMOS in 1986, built in Karachi Shipyard under Technology transfer agreement.

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Ex-British BASSET class trawlers Class: Bahawalpur (P 149, ex-Baroda, ex-Lucknow, Shalimar, for disposal c1960), Lahore (P 12, ex-Rampur, ex-Barisal, Burn, for disposal c1960). Two transferred from India 1948. Ex-Chinese ‘HUCHWAN’ class torpedo hydrofoils Class: HDF 01-04 Transferred from China 1973 and all four sold 1992. Ex-Chinese ‘HUKU’ class fast attack craft (missile) Four transferred from China 1981-82. All extant 1995. ‘TOWN’ class large patrol craft Displacement: 115t standard; 143¢ full load Dimensions: —107ft x 20ft x 11ft 36.6m x 6.1m x 3.4m Machinery: 2 shafts, 2 MTU 12V 538 diesels, 3400bhp = 24kts Armament; 2-40mm/70 (600rds) Complement: 19 24 Class (no): Rajshahi (P 140), Jessore (P 141), Comilla (P 142), Sylhet (P 143). Ordered from Brooke Marine on 5 October 1963 and named after East Pakistan towns. Jessore and Comilla commissioned 20 May 1965, Rajshahi and Sylbet 2 August 1965. Specially strengthened hulls with sea resistant alumin. lum alloy superstructures. All were attacked by Indian aircraft on 4 December 1971. Off Chittagong Rajshahi was hit six times by four Hunter jets, set on fire, losing one killed and six wounded but regained port after the crew checked flooding and fire in the engine room, Extant 1995. Nine aircraft sank Comilla in the same action. Jessore and Sylhet destroyed in air strikes from the carrier iran the same day at Khulna to the West. Jessore salvaged by Bangledeshj
Ex-Chinese ‘SHANGHAI ID’ class large patrol craft Class: Lahore (P 140), Quetta (P 141), Mardan (P 143), Gipit (Po 144), Profit CP 145), Sukkur (P 147), Sehevan (P 148), Raharvalpur (P LA9), Bare (P 154), Kalat (P 156), Larkana (P 159), Sadival (P 160). Eight transferred 1972, four in 1973. All named afier Pakistani cities. Pour transterred to Maritime Security Agency: only Po144, P1445 and P 149 extant 1995. Ex-Chinese ‘HAINAN’ class large patrol craft. Class: Baluchistan (P_ 155), Sind (P1159), Sarhad (P 161), Punjab (P 197). First pair transterred mid-1976, second April 1980. Baluchistan for disposal 1992, remainder stricken 1993/1994.
Ex-Chinese ‘HEGU/HOKU’ class fast attack craft (missile) Class (no) Harbat (P 1021), Falalat (P 1052), Furat (P 1053), Shujaat (P 1054) First pair transferred 5 May 1981, second pair October 1981. Extant 1995 Ex-Chinese ‘HUANGFEN class fast attack craft (missile) Class: Azmat (P 1025), Dehshat (P 1026), Himmat (P 1027), Guwwat (P 1028). Four transferred from China April 1984. All extant 1995. Eighteen MC 55 class (22.8t full load, 54ft lin x 17ft x 2ft 10in, 16.5m x 5.2m x 0.8m, 2 V6 diesels, 1600hp = 30kts, 1-14.5mm MG, 5 crew): P 551-568 built by Crestitalia and delivered 1979 80. GRP units, P 553 named Vagar. One Fairey Marine ‘Spear’ class. Four ex-British SDMLs: SDML 3518 and 2519 BU 1965. SDML 3517 and 3520 stricken 1975-77.

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Ex-British BANGOR class minesweepers. Class (no, former name): Dacca (M 245, ex-Oudh), Peshawar (M 55, ex-Malwa), Baluchistan (M 182, ex-Greenock), Chittagong (ex-Kathiawar, ex-Hartlepool) Transferred from India 1948, second pair were turbine-powered. Dacca and Baluchistan for disposal c1960; Chittagong sold 1956; Peshawar sold 1959. Class: Mahmood (M 160, MSC 267, Apr 1957), Momin (M 161, MSC 293, Jul 1962), Mubarak (M 162, MSC 262, Jan 1957), Muhafiz (M 163, AMS 138, 25.2.55), Mujahid (M 164, MSC 261, Oct 1956), Mukhtar (M 165, MSC 274, 25.6.59) Munsif (M 166, MSC 273, 25.6.59), Moshal (M167, MSC 294, 13.7.63). Ex-US BLUEBIRD class coastal minesweepers. Momin and Moshal have lower bridges than the other six. All built under MAP. Mujahid and Mubarak arrived Karachi on 5 December 1957. Munsif was stricken in 1979, Muhafiz sunk off Karachi by the Indian Navy on 5 June 1957. Momin, Moshal and Mubarak were stricken in 1980s, Migahid in 1990; only Mahmood and Mukhtar were extant 1995, and later replaced by the new minehunters.

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Modern Assets

Class: F 181 TARIQ (iii) 28.7.93 Extant 1995 (ex-Ambuscade) F 182 BABUR (iii) 30.9.93 Extant 1995 (ex-Amazon) F 183 KHAIJBAR (iii) 1.3.94 Extant 1995 (ex-Arrow) F184 BADR (iii) 1.3.94 Extant 1995 (ex-Alacrity) F 185 SHAH JEHAN (iii) 23.9.94 Extant 1995 (ex-Active) F 186 TIPPU SULTAN (iii) 23.9.94 Extant 1995 (ex-Ambuscade) Ex-British AMAZON class frigates. Purchase of all six Type 21 frigates from the RN was announced on 27 April 1993, but the deliveries were phased over 14 months. Latter fitted with new Dutch radar and active towed array sonar (ATAS), French DR-3000S electronic warfare suite and Swedish 9LV Mk 3 combat data system. Specs: Armament: 4x RGM-84 Harpoon SSM, 1x 4.5in/55 Mk 8, 2x 30mm, 1x 20mm Phalanx CIWS, 1x Tp 45 ASW TT, 1 Lynx helicopter Sensors: Radar DA-08, RTN-10X, sonar ATAS(V)2 . Other particulars: As British Amazon class.
Class: Zulfiquar (F251), Shamsheer (F252), Saif (F253), Aslat (F254). Based on updated Type 053H3 (NATO Jiangwei II) frigates, also known as the Sword class or F22P. Zulfiqar was also the name of a tank in Iran, and a famous, ancient type of double-edge sword sported by the Sassanids and Arabians at the start of the muslim conquest and up to the cruisades. Chinese design and construction, also influenced from Type 054. The F-22P possesses the same radar cross-section reduction. The first three ships were constructed in China but the fourth was built in Pakistan by Karachi Shipyard with transfer of technology and Chinese assistance. Specs as the Type 053H3 guided missile frigate (FFG) with the following: Armament: 76.2 mm AK–176M main gun, 2× Type 730B CIWS, 1×8 FM-90N SAM, 2×4 C-802 SSM, 2×3 ET-52C TTs, 2×6 RDC-32 ASWRL Sensors: Type 517 LG ASR, Type 360 ASR, KH 2007 NR, Atlas ASO-94 sonar, 2x Type 347 CIWS FCR, Type 345 SAM FCR Electronic warfare: RWD-8 intercept, NJ8I-3 jammer, Decoy flare, chaff launchers Aircraft carried: 1× Harbin Z-9EC ASW helicopter
Class: PNS Tughril (F261), Taimur (262), Tippu Sultan (263), Shah Jahan (264). The first two ships were commissioned in January and June 2022 while the remaining two were commissioned in January 2023. Built at Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding, as modified export Type 054A/P frigates, specifically for Pakistan in Shanghai. To compare, the Chinese PLAN Type 054A they possesses a SR2410C active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and Type 517 (SUR17B) VHF air-search radar as well as four CM-302 anti-ship missiles. However the hull is the same, with sloped shapes, radar absorbent materials, and clean profile. The Jinnah-class Frigate is currently under final stages of design phase. Model of Jinnah Class Frigate for Pakistan Navy revealed in IDEF 2021 Turkey. These ships will be made in Karachi Shipyard under Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement from Afsat Turkey. Pakistan plans to build upto 6 Jinnah frigates after construction of all Babur class corvettes. Estimated timeline of delivery of 6 ships is between 2030s to mid 2040s. PNS Babur (F280), PNS Badr（F281), PNS Khaibar（F282, PNS Tariq（F283, Based on Tukish MILGEM project as Pakistan-specific variant of Ada-class corvette. PNS Badr (F281), PNS Khaibar (F282) and PNS Tariq (F283) are undergoing outfitting[19] while PNS Babur (F280) has been commissioned. More Specs: Displacement 3,000 tons, dimensions 108.8 x 14.8 x 4.05 m. Powered by 2 × MTU 16V 595 TE90, 1× GE LM2500 (CODAG): 27–31 knots (50–57 km/h), Range 3,500 nmi (6,500 km), 15 days endurance. Sensors: HAVELSAN CMS, Aselsan SMART-S Mk2, ALPER LPI, AKREP, LN-270 INS/GPS, Meteksan YAKAMOS sonar, SeaEye-AHTAPOT surveillance system, PIRI IRST, MilSOFT NIXS C4I, "Link Green" tactical data link. Aselsan ARES-2NC Radar ESM, Aselsan HIZIR torpedo-countermeasure system Armament: 12× Albatross NG (CAMM-ER) SAM, 2×3 P-282 SSM, 2×3 Mark 32 324 mm TTs, OTO Melara 76 mm, Aselsan GOKDENIZ 35 mm CIWS, 2x Aselsan STOP 25 mm RWS Flight deck with enclosed hangar, Agusta-Westland AW159 Wildcat.
Class: PNS Yarmook (F271), PNS Tabuk (F272), PNS Hunain (F273), PNS Yamama (F274). These are 2,300 tons (batch-I) and 2,600 tons (batch-II) corvettes made at the Dutch shipbuilder Damen. PNS Yarmook was commissioned in Feb 2020. PNS Tabuk was commissioned on 12 November 2020. Batch-II, with 2 more OPVs are on order. Batch-II are based on Damen OPV 2600. They will be armed with the Ashm SAM, and designated as guided missile corvettes. PNS Hunain (based on OPV 2600) was launched by Damen Shipyards on 14 September 2023 followed by PNS Yamama on 19 February 2024. PNS Hunain (F273) was commissioned on 26 July 2024. PNS Azmat (1013), PNS Dehshat (1014), PNS Himmat (1027), PNS Haibat (1028) 560 tons ships built at Xingang Shipyard in China and the rest in Karachi under Transfer of Technology agreement.
Class: PNS Khalid, Saad, Hamza. DCN Cherbourg Projected 1999 Building: Karachi Naval Dyd Projected 2000 Ordered - Karachi Naval Dyd Projected. An agreement worth US$ 950m was signed 20 September 1994 for four boats. First of class laid down early 1995, to complete 1998-99. Second unit will be put in sections at Cherbourg and assembled at Karachi. The third unit was stretched by an extra 8m section containing a 200kKW MESMA air-independent propulson system, retro-fitted to the two earlier boats. Also comprises the SUBTICS command system developed from that fitted in the new French SSBNs. First export submarines to be equipped with the SM39 sub-launched Exocet. French AGOSTA-90B type submarimes specs: Displacement: 1510t 1760t Dimensions: 22 x 22ft 4in x 17ft 9in (67.57m x 6.8 x 5m) Machinery: 2-shaft diesel-clectric= 12.5kts/20.3kts Armament: 4x 533mm VT (20 F17P torpedoes plus SM39 Exocet) Sensors: Sonar DUUA-1D, DUUA-2A/B, DUUX-2A Complement: 36
PNS Hangor（Shark） Ghazi （Warrior), Shushuk (dolphin), Mangro, Tasnim, Seem Maai, 2 more unnamed. Eight Type 039A/041 submarine heavily modified for Pakistan are on order - with the first four being built in China by the China Shipbuilding Trading Company (CSOC) and the last four being built in Pakistan by the Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW). The first four submarines are expected to be delivered by 2025, while the last four are expected to be delivered by 2028. Specs: Displacement 2,800 t (2,800 long tons), dimensions 76 x 8.4 x 6.2 m (249 ft 4 in x 27 ft 7 in x 20 ft 4 in) Propulsion: 4x CSOC CHD620 diesels, Stirling-powered AIP: 20 knots Armament: 6 x 533 mm (21 in) TTs, Babur 3 cruise missiles, YJ-82 anti-ship missiles, Yu-6 torpedo. French ‘ERIDAN’ type minehunters. Class (no, former name): Munsif (166, ex-Sagittaire), Muhafiz (167), Mahmood (168) Three Tripartite GRP minehunters ordered from DCN January 1992, one transferred in November 1992 from the French Navy, one launched by DCN Lorient on 8 July 1995 and one to be built at Karachi Naval Dockyard with DCN assistance.

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Links

paknavy.gov.pk/ web.archive.org/ pkdefense.com/forums/pakistan-navy.11/ navypedia.org pakistan hilal.gov.pk/ bharat-rakshak.com/ dwarka/ armscontrolcenter.org Pakistans Nuclear Capabilities Pakistan_Navy https://www.nti.org/analysis/articles/pakistan-submarine-capabilities/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_active_Pakistan_Navy_ships https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_former_ships_of_Pakistan_Navy

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