Pakistan goes for Chinese warships

Pakistan signed a contract with China for the purchase of four new F-22P frigates with all related equipment/systems. The signing of the frigate deal will help strengthen naval defence as Pakistan has for a long time been seeking to introduce new warships in its fleet in view of the Indian naval strength. “These F-22P frigates will be equipped with helicopters especially designed for anti-submarine warfare, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles along with associated self-defence systems,” said a statement of the defence ministry.

Some of the ships will be constructed in Pakistan since, under the deal, China will transfer the relevant technology. A date for delivery of the ships was not given, nor did the ministry say how much it would pay for the ships although the chief of the Pakistan Navy, Admiral Shahid Karimullah, said last year that Pakistan was seeking a $750 million loan from China to pay for the frigates.