China delivers two naval frigates PNS ‘Tippu’ Sultan and PNS ‘Shahjahan’ to Pakistan

• China has commissioned two naval frigates, PNS Tippu Sultan and PNS Shahjahan, to the Pakistan Navy, taking the total number of warships supplied by China to four

• The Type 054A/P frigates are equipped with modern weapons and sensors, including surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, as well as anti-submarine warfare technology

• The commissioning of the frigates is seen as a symbol of the long-standing ties and historical affinity between China and Pakistan

China has commissioned two naval frigates PNS Tippu Sultan and PNS Shahjahan to the Pakistan Navy, taking the total number of warships supplied by China to the cash-strapped country to four. The handover ceremony and commissioning of the Type 054A/P frigates was reportedly held at Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai.

Chief of Naval Staff, Pakistan Navy Admiral M Amjad Khan Niazi, who is currently on a visit to China, attended the programme. Niazi also boarded warships after the ceremony.

In his speech, Niazi emphasized that the commissioning of the two frigates marks the beginning of a new chapter in Pakistan-China friendship which has matured and is built on mutual respect, trust and support between the two nations. "The same is reflected in our defense cooperation," Niazi was quoted as saying by Pakistan's Geo News media website.

Earlier on May 8, Chinese Defense Minister General Li Shangfu held talks with Admiral Niazi and said "the two all-weather friends should seek new areas of military cooperation and jointly protect their security interests and the region".  The first ship, PNS Tughril, was commissioned into the Pakistan Navy in December 2021 and the second, PNS Taimur, was delivered in June 2022, Niazi said. He said the acquisition of the Type 054A/Ps is a symbol of the long-standing ties and historical affinity between China and Pakistan.

Type 054A/P is equipped with the most modern weapons and sensors and belongs to the multi-purpose frigates of Chinese origin. It includes CM-302 surface-to-surface missiles and LY-80 surface-to-air missiles, as well as the Combat Management System and the Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare suite. The vessels are a significant addition to the Pakistan Navy's fleet and will ensure the defense of seaward lines of communication.