The First Fast Attack Craft (Missile) was commissioned by Pakistan Navy on Monday at the Xingang Shipyard in China in an impressive ceremony.
“Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila, Chief of the Naval Staff, was the Chief Guest on the occasion,” said a Navy statement issued here.
While addressing the ceremony, the Chief Guest lauded the commissioning of Fast Attack Craft (Missile) as yet another pinnacle of this project, demonstrating untiring and total commitment of all involved.
Acknowledging the efforts of Chinese Engineers and technicians for construction of FAC (M), the Chief Guest congratulated China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company (CSOC), Xingang Shipyard for their full cooperation & commitment in commissioning of the craft as
per schedule and remarked that the occasion is yet another example of unique Pak – China relations which does not draw any parallel in the world.
The Naval Chief said that the project of Missile craft construction represented a quantum leap not only in the Defence Production in Maritime Sector of Pakistan but also addresses a longstanding operational requirement of Pakistan Navy.
“The collaboration in this project will open new avenues of cooperat1ion which will be yet another milestone in defence cooperation between China and Pakistan,” he said. The Naval Chief emphasized that induction of missile craft would not only supplement our combat potential but would also afford Pakistan Navy the opportunity to distinctly uphold its forward presence in area of interest, contributing to balance the power equation in the region. PNS AZMAT is the first of AZMAT Class Fast Attack Craft (Missile). Contract for construction of two fast attack craft (Missile) was signed on the basis of Transfer of Technology (ToT). In that, the first craft was to be built in china and the second is being constructed at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS & EW). The vessel is 63 meters long and has a beam of 8.8 meters with a displacement of 560 Tons. It is equipped with state of the art weapons and sensors including surface to surface missiles and has stealth features.