Pakistan Navy successfully tests surface-to-air missiles

On June 3 , the Pakistan Navy successfully tested surface-to-air FN-6 missiles using its ground-based air defence system.

Vice Admiral Raja Rabnawaz, Commander Coast, attended the event as the chief guest, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

During the live weapon firing exercise, the Pakistan Navy’s ground-based air defence system effectively hit aerial targets. Vice Admiral Rabnawaz expressed satisfaction with the operational readiness of the system following the successful missile firing.

The FN-6 missile, also known as FeiNu-6, is a Chinese-manufactured man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS). It is designed to target low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Here are the key details of the FN-6 missiles as used by the Pakistan Navy:

Technical Specifications:

1. Type: Surface-to-air missile (MANPADS)
2. Manufacturer: China National Precision Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CNPMIEC)
3. Weight: Approximately 16 kg (missile)
4. Length: 1.495 meters
5. Diameter: 72 mm
6. Warhead: High-explosive, fragmentation
7. Guidance System: Infrared homing
8. Effective Range: 500 to 6,000 meters
9. Maximum Altitude: 3,800 meters
10. Speed: Mach 2 (approximately 2,450 km/h)

Features:

1. Infrared Homing: The FN-6 uses an infrared homing guidance system, allowing it to lock onto the heat signatures of enemy aircraft and helicopters.
2. Portability: Being man-portable, the system can be easily deployed and operated by ground forces, making it suitable for both static defence and mobile operations.
3. Fire-and-Forget Capability: Once the missile is launched, it does not require further guidance, allowing the operator to take cover or prepare for the next engagement.
4. Multi-target Capability: Effective against a variety of low-altitude targets, including helicopters, UAVs, and low-flying fixed-wing aircraft.
5. Resistance to Countermeasures: Designed to resist electronic countermeasures and decoys, increasing its effectiveness in combat scenarios.

Pakistan Navy’s Use:

1. Coastal Defense: The Pakistan Navy uses FN-6 missiles as part of its ground-based air defence system to protect its coastal installations, naval bases, and other critical infrastructure from aerial threats.
2. Operational Readiness: Regular training and live-fire exercises ensure that the navy’s air defence teams are proficient in deploying and using the FN-6 system. Successful test firings, like the one conducted recently, demonstrate the system’s capability and the navy’s preparedness to counter aerial threats.
3. Integration with Other Systems: The FN-6 is integrated with the broader air defence network of the Pakistan Navy, which includes radar systems and command-and-control infrastructure, enhancing the overall defensive capability.

Recent Developments:

During a recent live weapon firing exercise, the Pakistan Navy’s ground-based air defence system successfully hit aerial targets using the FN-6 missiles. This exercise showcased the operational readiness and precision of the air defence teams. Vice Admiral Raja Rabnawaz, Commander Coast, expressed his satisfaction with the system’s performance, highlighting the navy’s commitment to maintaining robust coastal defences against potential aerial threats.

The successful use of FN-6 missiles in these exercises underscores the Pakistan Navy’s capability to effectively deploy advanced air defence systems to safeguard its maritime interests.

June 4 , 2024

Source: The Express Tribune, Pakistan Navy