Pakistan is taking a major step in strengthening its naval capabilities with the development of its first indigenously designed warship, the Jinnah Class Frigates. This move marks a significant milestone in the country’s defense sector and is aimed at tackling the growing maritime security challenges in the region.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, stated that the Jinnah Class Frigates will be equipped to handle a wide range of modern naval threats, including surface warfare, anti-submarine operations, and air defense. The multi-role ships, ranging from 100 to 150 meters in length and weighing between 2,000 and 4,000 tons, will be armed with advanced weaponry such as guns, missiles, torpedoes, and anti-submarine rockets.
Admiral Ashraf emphasized that the frigates are being developed with insights gained from the MILGEM Class ships and will significantly reduce Pakistan’s reliance on foreign naval platforms. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the country’s fleet, which also includes the induction of advanced vessels like the PNS Babur and PNS Hunain.
In addition, two MILGEM Class ships are currently under construction at Karachi Shipyard. Pakistan’s future naval strategy focuses on improving combat readiness through indigenously developed technologies, ensuring a more balanced and adaptable naval force to address evolving maritime threats.
