KARACHI: Commissioning and induction ceremony of fast attack craft (missile) PNS Himmat, built at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW) Limited for Pakistan Navy, was held at Pakistan Navy Dockyard Karachi.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah graced the occasion as chief guest.
PNS Himmat is a 63-metre-long Fast Attack Craft fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensor. One of the important achievements in this project is installation of indigenously built missiles system. The craft is also fitted with various other weapons and sensors for manifestation of speed and lethality at par with any modern navy’s arsenal.
While speaking on the ceremony, the naval chief mentioned that it was a landmark occasion when second indigenously constructed fast attack craft (missile) had been inducted in the Pakistan Navy fleet. He said that successful construction of PNS Himmat at Karachi Shipyard was a proud moment for the Pakistan Navy, KS&EW and China State Shipbuilding and Offshore Company. He categorically mentioned that the trust and confidence posed by the Pakistan Navy in indigenously built platforms would also provide impetus to Pakistan defence exports.
The admiral highlighted that to capitalise on the maritime opportunities and address the related challenges, an efficient, strong and self-reliant navy was need of the hour. “Therefore, acquisition of high-speed missile craft with enhanced endurance and firepower is high on our agenda for attaining the capability to deliver rapid response at sea.”
While emphasising the need for securing maritime environment in context of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the naval chief accentuated that CPEC holds great promise for the progress of the country but at the same time it added new dimension to the overall threat spectrum, and to make CPEC a success “we have to be mindful of such threats”.
He said that Pakistan’s defence policy was based on peaceful coexistence but given the prevailing geo-strategic environment “we cannot afford to lower our guard”.
Earlier, KS&EW MD Rear Admiral Syed Hasan Nasir Shah in his welcome address said that this state-of-the-art ship was another landmark in the history of Pak-China cooperation in the field of defence production, as it has been built in collaboration with our Chinese friends M/s China Shipbuilding & Offshore Company (CSOC) and Xingang Shipyard.
While presenting brief overview of construction projects, the KS&EW MD said that during the recent past, KS&EW had successfully completed various projects for Pakistan Navy. “As a result, KS&EW has been awarded a number of other projects including 17,000 Tons Fleet Tanker, Maritime Patrol Vessels (MPVs), Indigenously Designed Fast Attack Craft (Missile), 32 Tons Bollard Pull Tugs and a Multi Purpose Barge which are at various stages of construction.”
He also informed that contracts of 3 x new projects had also been signed prior to closing of last financial year which include 3,000 Tons Survey Ship, 1,900 Tons OPVs for Pakistan Navy and 2 x FRP Boats for Pakistan Customs.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from government, Chinese Embassy, Pakistan Navy, China Shipbuilding and Offshore Company (CSOC) and distinguished guests from various walks of life.
Published in Daily Times, July 29th , 2017.
