Pakistan is set to enhance its maritime defence capabilities with the development of its first indigenously designed warships, the Jinnah Class Frigates. These multi-role ships, ranging from 100-150 meters in length and weighing 2,000-4,000 tons, will be armed with advanced weapons, including guns, missiles, torpedoes, and anti-submarine rockets.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, while receiving briefing at the International Defense Exhibition and Seminar “IDEAS 2024” in Karachi on November 20, 2024, emphasized that these frigates aim to counter modern naval threats such as surface warfare, anti-submarine operations, and air defence. Inspired by the construction of MILGEM Class Ships, the Jinnah Class Frigates mark a pivotal step in reducing reliance on foreign platforms and strengthening the country’s indigenization efforts.
Pakistan’s navy has been modernizing its fleet to address regional maritime challenges. Recent acquisitions include the PNS Babur and PNS Hunain, along with Chinese Type 054 A/P frigates, Romanian offshore patrol vessels, and Turkish MILGEM Class Corvettes. Notably, two MILGEM class ships are under construction at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW).
Admiral Ashraf outlined a forward-looking naval strategy focused on “progressive capability enhancement,” prioritizing indigenous solutions and force multipliers to build a balanced and combat-ready fleet capable of responding to evolving threats.
