Pakistan-based Defence Insider reported that the Pakistani Navy announced the signing of the contract with Karachi Shipyard to build the lead ship of Jinnah-class frigates based on ASFAT’s AS3400 design.
Karachi Shipyard’s history with ASFAT can be traced back to the PN MİLGEM programme, which consists of four corvettes based on the Ada-class corvette with significant design changes in accordance with Pakistan’s requirements. Whereas ASFAT built the first and third ships, PNS Babur (F280) and PNS Khaibar (F282), Karachi Shipyard is responsible for the other two, PNS Badr (F281) and PNS Tariq (F283).
This time, with the Jinnah-class, the cooperation has been elevated to the level of joint design with fully localised construction by Karachi Shipyard.
Jinnah-class Frigate
Based on AS3400 design with a displacement of 3300 tonnes, slightly heavier than PN MİLGEM weighing 3000 tonnes, the Jinnah-class will offer increased weapons capacity and, more importantly, endurance to the Pakistani Navy.
The ships will use Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) propulsion, unlike PN MİLGEM, with Combined Diesel and Gas Turbine (CODAG) propulsion will have a longer endurance thanks to fuel efficiency and larger space for the accommodation of supplies.
The armament, likely subject to change, consists of 24 (4x6) cold-launch VLS for CAMM-ER medium-range air defence missiles with a range of 45 km and eight anti-ship missiles according to the current presentation. Guns include a 76 mm naval gun, GÖKDENİZ 35 mm CIWS, and multiple RCWS.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
