In response to the escalating tensions and maritime concerns in the Middle East, the Pakistan Navy has deployed its ship, PNS TUGHRIL, to the Gulf of Aden. This deployment aims to safeguard the safety and security of merchant vessels carrying goods to and from Pakistani ports as they navigate through one of the world’s busiest choke points.
The Pakistan Navy remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding freedom of navigation on the high seas and ensuring the security of international sea lanes of communication. This deployment further underscores the Navy’s dedication to protecting Pakistan’s national maritime interests and trade routes.
Recognizing its national duty to maintain order in the region, the Pakistan Navy regularly deploys its vessels on Regional Maritime Security Patrols and contributes to collaborative maritime security efforts under the Combined Maritime Forces.
Commodore Syed Rizwan Khalid, Spokesperson for the Pakistan Navy, emphasized the importance of this deployment in safeguarding national shipping and Pakistan’s sea line of communication. He highlighted that protecting sea lines of communication is a fundamental responsibility of all navies worldwide.
The PNS TUGHRIL, a Chinese-built Type 054A/P frigate, boasts advanced technology capable of intercepting long-range missiles and preventing them from striking any vessel. This state-of-the-art warship was inducted into the Pakistan Navy in January 2022 and carries HQ-16 medium-range air defense missiles, an upgraded version of HQ-7, in a vertical launching system.
December 1, 2023
Source: The News International, Mehr News Agency