ISLAMABAD (PTI): The first in the series of the six type 21 frigates to be acquired by Pakistan from Britain on “hot transfer” basis has sailed into the Karachi harbor.
The amazon class frigate, named Pns Tariq, would be formally inducted in the country’s naval fleet at a ceremony Noy.20 to be presided over by Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. The second ship in the series, Pns Babur, has also reportedly left the United Kingdom and is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan in December or early January.
According to published reports, the six frigates will replace the eight US Brooke and Garcia class ships the lease of which the Americans have refused to extend in pursuance of the Pressler Amendment.
Out of the eight ships on lease, two have already been towed to Singapore, from where the US authorities would take them home. The type 21 frigates can carry one Lynx MkII or Wasp helicopter, Their weapon systems include except surface to surface missiles, sea cat surface-to-air missiles, one 115 mm mk 8 and four 20 mm orlik on guns. The ships are also equipped with antisubmarine warfare sensors and weapons. The English language daily, the news, reported that the frigates will be modified to suit the Pakistan Navy’s requirements after being inducted in the fleet. Meanwhile, the Navies of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia began their 11day joint exercises in the Arabian Sea on Thursday. The exercises will conclude on Nov.28.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 3, 1993
