Neptune
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THE IRON LADY OF THE FLEET
Note: This article includes an interview made by the writer
The Oliver Hazard Perry class is a class of frigates named after the American Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the hero of the naval Battle of Lake Erie. Also known as the Perry or FFG-7 class, the warships were designed in the United States in the mid-1970s as general-purpose escort vessels inexpensive enough to be bought in large quantities to replace World War II-era destroyers and 1960s-era Knox class frigates. Intended to protect amphibious landing forces, supply and replenishment groups, and merchant convoys from submarines, they also later were part of battleship-centric surface action groups and aircraft carrier battle groups/ strike groups.
Fifty-five ships were built in the United States: 51 for the United States Navy and four for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). In addition, eight were built in the Republic of China (Taiwan), six in Spain, and two in Australia for their navies. Former U.S. Navy warships of this class have been sold or donated to the navies of Bahrain, Egypt, Poland, Pakistan, and Turkey.
Here's the heart of production line Perrys; known as Combat Management System.
The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates were designed primarily as anti-aircraft and anti- submarine warfare guided-missile warships intended to provide open-ocean escort of amphibious warfare ships and merchant ship convoys in moderate threat environments in a potential war with the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact countries. They could also provide air defense against 1970s- and 1980s-era aircraft and anti-ship missiles. These warships are equipped to escort and protect aircraft carrier battle groups, amphibious landing groups, underway replenishment groups, and merchant ship convoys. They can conduct independent operations to perform such tasks as surveillance of illegal drug smugglers, maritime interception operations, and exercises with other nations.
The addition of the Naval Tactical Data System, LAMPS (SH-60 Seahawk) helicopters, and the Tactical Towed Array System (TACTAS) gave these warships a combat capability far beyond the original expectations. They are well-suited for the littoral regions and most war-at-sea scenarios.
I this basic information is enough for this writting. Well, Perrys are known more at non-US service rather than USN.
They have been safeguarding American interests for over 35 years and counting. But it helped to US allies more than the US himself.
With its guided missile role and long-hull capable of open-ocean operations, she is the backbone of allied navies frigate fleets.
Today, to keep the Perry legacy as effective as its old good days, it has gone under many upgrade programs. Currently primary contract is given to Lockheed.
Being a cold war-era surface combatant it was designed to operate alone at seas with significant AAW and ASW capabilities. During its years, they were mostly used for monitoring blue waters and show of US deterrance. At modern era at naval world which we count it as post-1990, They've proved their mobility and power at many exercises. Although, they faced some "accidents" that can be considered as scandal such as the USS Liberty incident.
During many NATO missions it was proved that she was older but not weaker;
Operation Sharp Guard which is the naval part of NATO intervention to Yugoslavia. NATO maritime forces mostly consisting by allied and US Perrys, they successfully conducted their embargo missions. Also destroying enemy combatants.
Operation Unified Protector, the NATO intervention to Libya in response of UNSC Resolution. The entire coastlines of Libya were monitored&embargoed by Turkish and US (possibily also Spain) Perrys, while the rest of the fleet was busy with combat operations.
Besides that Operation Ocean Shield and Operation Active Endavior (Article 5 op.) were also the situations were Perrys are used effectively, even now.
At early 2000s, the Primary non-US users of the Iron Lady, Turkey and Australia had started R&D workings to upgrade their ships to modern standards. Australia partnered with Lockheed and generated the sub-class Canberra for RAN. It included the upgrades from radar, missile systems to CMS.
Turkish defence giant ASELSAN had created the GENESIS upgrade for Turkish Perrys. It was including the update of almost the the entire ship. At 2011, Aselsan announced the GENESIS Advent (a.k.a Genesis II). It made the ship to go under a though upgrade program. It was very successful. At mid-2013, Lockheed has recognised GENESIS Advent as official upgrade package for Perry-class frigates.
Royal Australian Navy's Canberra-class ships are equipped with SM-2 Block II/III which makes them an AAW frigate, decreasing ASW capabilities. As for the upgrade program, PN Perrys, PNS Alamgir and future perrys will be equipped with Genesis. So I'll tell you this program.
Here is the Genesis Advent upgraded frigate TCG Göksu (F497).
Specifications:
Type: Frigate
Displacement: 4,100 long tons (4,166 t) full load
Length: 135.6 m (444 ft 11 in)
Beam: 13.7 m (44 ft 11 in)
Draught: 6.7 m (22 ft 0 in)
Propulsion: 2 × GE LM 2500 gas turbines, 41,000 hp (31 MW) 1 propeller and 2 × bow thrusters
Speed: 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Range: 5,000 nmi (9,300 km) at 18 kn (33 km/h)
Complement: 222 (19 officers, 203 men)
Sensors and
processing
systems:
Combat Management
System: GENESIS Advent (Gemi
Entegre Savaş İdare
Sistemi)
Search radar: SMART-S
Mk2
Armament:
• 1 x Mk 15 Phalanx CIWS
• 1 × Oto Melara 76mm DP gun
• 8 × Harpoon SSM
• 32 × SM-1 MR SAM
• 32 × ESSM launched from Mk-41 VLS (4 ESSM missiles per MK-41 cell through the use of MK25 Quadpack canisters, total of 8 cells)
Aircraft
carried:
2 × SH-60R LAMPS III Seahawk or 2 x MH-60R or 2 x AB-212 (ASW/ASuW/EW)
As you see, it shifts our Lady to a far upper level. Today it is mostly and actively used at counter-piracy operations. We will carry on with an interview and the article with it's potentional in PN service.
NOTE: Further info about GENESIS Advent. Released by Aselsan:
* A modern and reliable system
* High performance
* Open architecture
* Capacity of tracking more than 1,000 tactical targets
* Modern digital sensor data fusion
* Automatic threat evaluation
* Weapon engagement opportunities
* (NATO) Link-16/22 system integration
* The addition of an 8-cell Mk-41
VLS for Evolved Sea Sparrow
* The upgrade of the
Mk-92 fire control system by
Lockheed Martin
* The retrofitting of a new advanced SMART-S Mk2 3D air search radar
* The addition of a new long range sonar
Me: Hello sir. Can you introduce yourself to us?
C.A: Hello. My name is C.A. I'm a 1st Lt. in Turkish Naval Forces. I remember we've met with you in Heybeliada during an applied training program. As you are no longer a junior. There's no need for hierarchy. Just call me brother or C........
Me: Alright. Can you tell us the commands you've held, and the int. missions you've attended?
C.A: Since my graduation I've always served at Gabya-class (OHP) frigates. I've served at TCG Gökova and TCG Göksu. Both included overseas deployments. I was in OOS/ TF-508 and CTF-151. First one was CTF-151. And the second one Op. Ocean Shield at TCG Gökova. We were under SNMG-2 command. During that deployment, we attended to Pakistani AMAN'13. It was a great opportunity for us to test and increase our international co-operation. I don't prefer to give my current HQ.
Me: OK. That's great. Can you tell us more about AMAN'13?
C.A: Well, as I said it was a great opportunity for us. We've tested our maritime response capabilities.
Me: Did your ship interacted with Pakistani counterparts or attended any port visits?
C.A: Yeah we did. Actually our ship was given higher priorty by Pakistan for port visits. But appearantly, we were not officially representing Turkey. JFC Naples ordered us not to attend to port visits during the exercise. But most of our ships did after the war-games.
Me: Okay, brother. Can you tell me about your job at AMAN'13 and the atmosphere in there?
C.A: Aha, well. My branch is aviation. I was the CO of ground crew of ship's helicopter. Our ship haven't contributed much. But ship's SAS (EOD/Underwater Demolition) team actively took part at the exercise. My job was to ensure the MH-60 Seahawk was ready 7/24 for the SAS team. The atmosphere? Well, we were very welcomed by our Pakistani counterparts. Honestly, we had expected a warm greeting, but not that much actually. When we anchored at PN base. High ranking PN officials shown great interest to our ship. As you know our Perrys are famous with its combat management system. It took an enjoyable very long time for PN Officers to inspect GENESIS as being PN's decision for its current and future Perrys, That's what we heard from them.
Pakistan's generous offer made us proud of being their friends. After the exercise, our ship had to supply itself as we had been operating at the HOA for over 4 months. PN has provided fresh water, helicopter fuel and food supplies to our ship.
Me: Thats so nice to hear. As a Turkish naval officer with counter-piracy experience. Can you describe us the Pakistani Navy from your view?
C.A: Okay, my first interaction with Pakistani personnel was during my academy years. We had a little group of Pakistani officers getting trained in Tuzla Naval Academy Command. They were already graduated officers. But we were cadets. When our commanders introduced us the foreign personnel in our facilities, That's when I met them. We became good friends. We graduated together.
As far as I know, Pakistan Navy is modernisating its structure. Pakistani surface combatant fleet compromises by small number of ships with F-22P being the backbone. I can say that PN's doctrines are generally focused on encountering the Indian Navy and counter-piracy operations.
Unfortunately my only interaction with PN was in AMAN'13 and my academy years. I can't give much info.
Me: Alright. Thanks for taking your time. We appreciate your informations. Thank you for your service to our country. Good luck.
That was an interview made one month ago. I tried to explain you the current capabilities of Perrys, their history and design, mobility and current situation. Now, my last chapter at this article. PNS Alamgir and the Pakistan Navy itself.
Unfortunately, it didn't took a lot for PNS Alamgir.
In September 2008, the US Congress approved the transfer of the frigate to Pakistan with a delivery date of August 2010. Citing the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act, Pakistan is considered a "major non-NATO ally", able to receive older unneeded US military equipment. Additionally, the 32- year old frigate will be given a US $65 million refurbishment including anti-submarine capability paid for with foreign military aid provided by the U.S. to friendly countries.
PNS Alamgir will receive a mostly mechanical overhaul, which has to be conducted in the U.S. as part of the deal. All four diesels were removed and overhauled, along with air conditioning units and refrigeration. Fuel oil tanks and voids were cleaned, inspected, repaired and painted. All shafting was removed and renovated. The controllable pitch propeller system was overhauled. Sea valves were removed and either repaired or replaced, and almost every pump was opened and inspected and overhauled as needed. Ventilators and fans went through a similar process of inspection and overhaul. Breakers, NR3 switchboard, windlass, and boat davit all got inspections and overhauls. Completely new equipment includes a new navigation suite and bridge, the composite dome over the fully overhauled AN/ SQS-56 sonar, and a VIP cabin. The crew of PNS Alamgir moved aboard in December 2010, and are being qualified in firefighting and damage control, PMS and 3-M, and trained to U.S. Navy PQS standards. Sea trials were expected in mid-late January 2011, with a goal of sailing PNS Alamgir away on 10 February 2011. On 24 March 2011 it docked in the British North Atlantic territory of Bermuda
On 21 January 2011 the ship was
damaged while testing its
engines, this resulted in heavy
damage to the bow as well as to
the pier. The hull of the ship was
reported to be crumpled.
The Lady couldn't make it to actively serving in PN. the damage at the engines were reported as unrecoverable. But recently, it was reported that Pakistan would aquire 3 Perrys in future. You can find the thread regarding the subject at Pakistan Navy sub-forum.
Pakistan Navy consists by around 70 ships and 40 aircraft. I don't have exact information regarding uncombatant fleet, commonly called auxy fleet by naval people.
It has proven Western missiles such as Harphoon, Exocet. But it also has equipment about to be outdated such as the RIM-66.
But to keep it's force up to modern standards, PN relies on Chinese systems. The F-22P program also includes the integration of Chinese naval platforms. As known, Chinese defence firms has made great progress in naval industry at recent years.
PN Sub-Surface Fleet consists by Agosta-class submarines. It is reported that Pakistan also has AIP capabilities.
And now, the most important part in naval terms (at least in my perspective). Having a small reliable fleet, PN operates highly mobile naval aerial assets.
PN Naval Air Arm operates various types of aircraft. From Dassault Mirage 5 to Chinese Harphin and more. I do believe that the government have kept a strong naval aviation force in order to fill in it's surface fleets lacked points.
As per training, Pakistan sends its squids to naval academies abroad mostly UK, US, Turkey and Indonesia.
If you have a small size fleet. It means you have to train excellent personnel. And PN does it right IMO.
Future of PN:
TF-2000 and Type52 (or 54 if i'm mistaken) class destroyers, Ada-class corvette, Type 214-class submarine are the known platforms that Pakistan had shown interest.
For a better Pakistani Navy:
I believe in that PN seriously lacks in Logistic capabilities. It should expand it's auxy fleet. That should be the highest priorty of future aquisions to PN, at least the second. Also 1 or 2 AAW frigates should be operated. That's all. I'm telling it again, PN should give higher priorty to it's Logistic&Auxy Fleet. The current primary doctrine is to counter Indian aggression which I believe it's given higher priorty rather than national interests. So PN doctrines should give more priorty to national interests rather than encountering the Indian. (of course they should to both. but at least slice it a little)
But those are just my opinions and I just looked at the entire situation from a Turkish perspective. As Pakistan Navy has a budget. And I believe that PN officials have made clear decisions for the benefits of PN.
This article is specially dedicated to worldwide military personnel served at their Navy's Perry-class frigates. Also for the members telling that Perry wasn't a good platform. It's not too old, but old. It's a legend inside every sailor's heart.
Note: This article includes an interview made by the writer
The Oliver Hazard Perry class is a class of frigates named after the American Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the hero of the naval Battle of Lake Erie. Also known as the Perry or FFG-7 class, the warships were designed in the United States in the mid-1970s as general-purpose escort vessels inexpensive enough to be bought in large quantities to replace World War II-era destroyers and 1960s-era Knox class frigates. Intended to protect amphibious landing forces, supply and replenishment groups, and merchant convoys from submarines, they also later were part of battleship-centric surface action groups and aircraft carrier battle groups/ strike groups.
Fifty-five ships were built in the United States: 51 for the United States Navy and four for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). In addition, eight were built in the Republic of China (Taiwan), six in Spain, and two in Australia for their navies. Former U.S. Navy warships of this class have been sold or donated to the navies of Bahrain, Egypt, Poland, Pakistan, and Turkey.
Here's the heart of production line Perrys; known as Combat Management System.
The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates were designed primarily as anti-aircraft and anti- submarine warfare guided-missile warships intended to provide open-ocean escort of amphibious warfare ships and merchant ship convoys in moderate threat environments in a potential war with the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact countries. They could also provide air defense against 1970s- and 1980s-era aircraft and anti-ship missiles. These warships are equipped to escort and protect aircraft carrier battle groups, amphibious landing groups, underway replenishment groups, and merchant ship convoys. They can conduct independent operations to perform such tasks as surveillance of illegal drug smugglers, maritime interception operations, and exercises with other nations.
The addition of the Naval Tactical Data System, LAMPS (SH-60 Seahawk) helicopters, and the Tactical Towed Array System (TACTAS) gave these warships a combat capability far beyond the original expectations. They are well-suited for the littoral regions and most war-at-sea scenarios.
I this basic information is enough for this writting. Well, Perrys are known more at non-US service rather than USN.
They have been safeguarding American interests for over 35 years and counting. But it helped to US allies more than the US himself.
With its guided missile role and long-hull capable of open-ocean operations, she is the backbone of allied navies frigate fleets.
Today, to keep the Perry legacy as effective as its old good days, it has gone under many upgrade programs. Currently primary contract is given to Lockheed.
Being a cold war-era surface combatant it was designed to operate alone at seas with significant AAW and ASW capabilities. During its years, they were mostly used for monitoring blue waters and show of US deterrance. At modern era at naval world which we count it as post-1990, They've proved their mobility and power at many exercises. Although, they faced some "accidents" that can be considered as scandal such as the USS Liberty incident.
During many NATO missions it was proved that she was older but not weaker;
Operation Sharp Guard which is the naval part of NATO intervention to Yugoslavia. NATO maritime forces mostly consisting by allied and US Perrys, they successfully conducted their embargo missions. Also destroying enemy combatants.
Operation Unified Protector, the NATO intervention to Libya in response of UNSC Resolution. The entire coastlines of Libya were monitored&embargoed by Turkish and US (possibily also Spain) Perrys, while the rest of the fleet was busy with combat operations.
Besides that Operation Ocean Shield and Operation Active Endavior (Article 5 op.) were also the situations were Perrys are used effectively, even now.
At early 2000s, the Primary non-US users of the Iron Lady, Turkey and Australia had started R&D workings to upgrade their ships to modern standards. Australia partnered with Lockheed and generated the sub-class Canberra for RAN. It included the upgrades from radar, missile systems to CMS.
Turkish defence giant ASELSAN had created the GENESIS upgrade for Turkish Perrys. It was including the update of almost the the entire ship. At 2011, Aselsan announced the GENESIS Advent (a.k.a Genesis II). It made the ship to go under a though upgrade program. It was very successful. At mid-2013, Lockheed has recognised GENESIS Advent as official upgrade package for Perry-class frigates.
Royal Australian Navy's Canberra-class ships are equipped with SM-2 Block II/III which makes them an AAW frigate, decreasing ASW capabilities. As for the upgrade program, PN Perrys, PNS Alamgir and future perrys will be equipped with Genesis. So I'll tell you this program.
Here is the Genesis Advent upgraded frigate TCG Göksu (F497).
Specifications:
Type: Frigate
Displacement: 4,100 long tons (4,166 t) full load
Length: 135.6 m (444 ft 11 in)
Beam: 13.7 m (44 ft 11 in)
Draught: 6.7 m (22 ft 0 in)
Propulsion: 2 × GE LM 2500 gas turbines, 41,000 hp (31 MW) 1 propeller and 2 × bow thrusters
Speed: 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Range: 5,000 nmi (9,300 km) at 18 kn (33 km/h)
Complement: 222 (19 officers, 203 men)
Sensors and
processing
systems:
Combat Management
System: GENESIS Advent (Gemi
Entegre Savaş İdare
Sistemi)
Search radar: SMART-S
Mk2
Armament:
• 1 x Mk 15 Phalanx CIWS
• 1 × Oto Melara 76mm DP gun
• 8 × Harpoon SSM
• 32 × SM-1 MR SAM
• 32 × ESSM launched from Mk-41 VLS (4 ESSM missiles per MK-41 cell through the use of MK25 Quadpack canisters, total of 8 cells)
Aircraft
carried:
2 × SH-60R LAMPS III Seahawk or 2 x MH-60R or 2 x AB-212 (ASW/ASuW/EW)
As you see, it shifts our Lady to a far upper level. Today it is mostly and actively used at counter-piracy operations. We will carry on with an interview and the article with it's potentional in PN service.
NOTE: Further info about GENESIS Advent. Released by Aselsan:
* A modern and reliable system
* High performance
* Open architecture
* Capacity of tracking more than 1,000 tactical targets
* Modern digital sensor data fusion
* Automatic threat evaluation
* Weapon engagement opportunities
* (NATO) Link-16/22 system integration
* The addition of an 8-cell Mk-41
VLS for Evolved Sea Sparrow
* The upgrade of the
Mk-92 fire control system by
Lockheed Martin
* The retrofitting of a new advanced SMART-S Mk2 3D air search radar
* The addition of a new long range sonar
Me: Hello sir. Can you introduce yourself to us?
C.A: Hello. My name is C.A. I'm a 1st Lt. in Turkish Naval Forces. I remember we've met with you in Heybeliada during an applied training program. As you are no longer a junior. There's no need for hierarchy. Just call me brother or C........
Me: Alright. Can you tell us the commands you've held, and the int. missions you've attended?
C.A: Since my graduation I've always served at Gabya-class (OHP) frigates. I've served at TCG Gökova and TCG Göksu. Both included overseas deployments. I was in OOS/ TF-508 and CTF-151. First one was CTF-151. And the second one Op. Ocean Shield at TCG Gökova. We were under SNMG-2 command. During that deployment, we attended to Pakistani AMAN'13. It was a great opportunity for us to test and increase our international co-operation. I don't prefer to give my current HQ.
Me: OK. That's great. Can you tell us more about AMAN'13?
C.A: Well, as I said it was a great opportunity for us. We've tested our maritime response capabilities.
Me: Did your ship interacted with Pakistani counterparts or attended any port visits?
C.A: Yeah we did. Actually our ship was given higher priorty by Pakistan for port visits. But appearantly, we were not officially representing Turkey. JFC Naples ordered us not to attend to port visits during the exercise. But most of our ships did after the war-games.
Me: Okay, brother. Can you tell me about your job at AMAN'13 and the atmosphere in there?
C.A: Aha, well. My branch is aviation. I was the CO of ground crew of ship's helicopter. Our ship haven't contributed much. But ship's SAS (EOD/Underwater Demolition) team actively took part at the exercise. My job was to ensure the MH-60 Seahawk was ready 7/24 for the SAS team. The atmosphere? Well, we were very welcomed by our Pakistani counterparts. Honestly, we had expected a warm greeting, but not that much actually. When we anchored at PN base. High ranking PN officials shown great interest to our ship. As you know our Perrys are famous with its combat management system. It took an enjoyable very long time for PN Officers to inspect GENESIS as being PN's decision for its current and future Perrys, That's what we heard from them.
Pakistan's generous offer made us proud of being their friends. After the exercise, our ship had to supply itself as we had been operating at the HOA for over 4 months. PN has provided fresh water, helicopter fuel and food supplies to our ship.
Me: Thats so nice to hear. As a Turkish naval officer with counter-piracy experience. Can you describe us the Pakistani Navy from your view?
C.A: Okay, my first interaction with Pakistani personnel was during my academy years. We had a little group of Pakistani officers getting trained in Tuzla Naval Academy Command. They were already graduated officers. But we were cadets. When our commanders introduced us the foreign personnel in our facilities, That's when I met them. We became good friends. We graduated together.
As far as I know, Pakistan Navy is modernisating its structure. Pakistani surface combatant fleet compromises by small number of ships with F-22P being the backbone. I can say that PN's doctrines are generally focused on encountering the Indian Navy and counter-piracy operations.
Unfortunately my only interaction with PN was in AMAN'13 and my academy years. I can't give much info.
Me: Alright. Thanks for taking your time. We appreciate your informations. Thank you for your service to our country. Good luck.
That was an interview made one month ago. I tried to explain you the current capabilities of Perrys, their history and design, mobility and current situation. Now, my last chapter at this article. PNS Alamgir and the Pakistan Navy itself.
Unfortunately, it didn't took a lot for PNS Alamgir.
In September 2008, the US Congress approved the transfer of the frigate to Pakistan with a delivery date of August 2010. Citing the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act, Pakistan is considered a "major non-NATO ally", able to receive older unneeded US military equipment. Additionally, the 32- year old frigate will be given a US $65 million refurbishment including anti-submarine capability paid for with foreign military aid provided by the U.S. to friendly countries.
PNS Alamgir will receive a mostly mechanical overhaul, which has to be conducted in the U.S. as part of the deal. All four diesels were removed and overhauled, along with air conditioning units and refrigeration. Fuel oil tanks and voids were cleaned, inspected, repaired and painted. All shafting was removed and renovated. The controllable pitch propeller system was overhauled. Sea valves were removed and either repaired or replaced, and almost every pump was opened and inspected and overhauled as needed. Ventilators and fans went through a similar process of inspection and overhaul. Breakers, NR3 switchboard, windlass, and boat davit all got inspections and overhauls. Completely new equipment includes a new navigation suite and bridge, the composite dome over the fully overhauled AN/ SQS-56 sonar, and a VIP cabin. The crew of PNS Alamgir moved aboard in December 2010, and are being qualified in firefighting and damage control, PMS and 3-M, and trained to U.S. Navy PQS standards. Sea trials were expected in mid-late January 2011, with a goal of sailing PNS Alamgir away on 10 February 2011. On 24 March 2011 it docked in the British North Atlantic territory of Bermuda
On 21 January 2011 the ship was
damaged while testing its
engines, this resulted in heavy
damage to the bow as well as to
the pier. The hull of the ship was
reported to be crumpled.
The Lady couldn't make it to actively serving in PN. the damage at the engines were reported as unrecoverable. But recently, it was reported that Pakistan would aquire 3 Perrys in future. You can find the thread regarding the subject at Pakistan Navy sub-forum.
Pakistan Navy consists by around 70 ships and 40 aircraft. I don't have exact information regarding uncombatant fleet, commonly called auxy fleet by naval people.
It has proven Western missiles such as Harphoon, Exocet. But it also has equipment about to be outdated such as the RIM-66.
But to keep it's force up to modern standards, PN relies on Chinese systems. The F-22P program also includes the integration of Chinese naval platforms. As known, Chinese defence firms has made great progress in naval industry at recent years.
PN Sub-Surface Fleet consists by Agosta-class submarines. It is reported that Pakistan also has AIP capabilities.
And now, the most important part in naval terms (at least in my perspective). Having a small reliable fleet, PN operates highly mobile naval aerial assets.
PN Naval Air Arm operates various types of aircraft. From Dassault Mirage 5 to Chinese Harphin and more. I do believe that the government have kept a strong naval aviation force in order to fill in it's surface fleets lacked points.
As per training, Pakistan sends its squids to naval academies abroad mostly UK, US, Turkey and Indonesia.
If you have a small size fleet. It means you have to train excellent personnel. And PN does it right IMO.
Future of PN:
TF-2000 and Type52 (or 54 if i'm mistaken) class destroyers, Ada-class corvette, Type 214-class submarine are the known platforms that Pakistan had shown interest.
For a better Pakistani Navy:
I believe in that PN seriously lacks in Logistic capabilities. It should expand it's auxy fleet. That should be the highest priorty of future aquisions to PN, at least the second. Also 1 or 2 AAW frigates should be operated. That's all. I'm telling it again, PN should give higher priorty to it's Logistic&Auxy Fleet. The current primary doctrine is to counter Indian aggression which I believe it's given higher priorty rather than national interests. So PN doctrines should give more priorty to national interests rather than encountering the Indian. (of course they should to both. but at least slice it a little)
But those are just my opinions and I just looked at the entire situation from a Turkish perspective. As Pakistan Navy has a budget. And I believe that PN officials have made clear decisions for the benefits of PN.
This article is specially dedicated to worldwide military personnel served at their Navy's Perry-class frigates. Also for the members telling that Perry wasn't a good platform. It's not too old, but old. It's a legend inside every sailor's heart.
