There is an interview of CNS Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi in the July-August 2018 issue of ASIAN DEFENCE JOURNAL (pages 14-16); the complete interview is available on their website. I have posted excerpts related to:
Budget
CNS: Keeping in view the growing maritime interests of Pakistan in the Indian Ocean region, there is a compulsion to gradually increase PN's share in defence budget and the government of Pakistan is cognisant of these compulsions.
Fleet tanker (Turkish designed)
CNS: With this new tanker, PN will have two fleet tankers and we may construct additional ships of this size indigenously to meet our future operational requirements.
Aircraft fleet
CNS: Naval aviation is a vital component of PN, which comprises potent fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. Fixed wing aircraft include P3C long range maritime patrol aircraft (LRMP), fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors capable of undertaking anti-surface as well as anti-submarine operations. PN also has Fokker maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) fitted with anti-submarine weapons and sensors. The navy is in the process of modifying ATR aircraft for MPA role. Rotary wing aircraft in PN inventory include Sea King helicopters, optimised for anti-submarine and anti-surface operations, and Z9EC ASW helicopters. For utility applications, we have the Aerospatiale Alouette helicopters, which are used primarily for HADR, SAR and transportation functions, with the flexibility of deployment on ASW and armed recce missions. PN is also operating tactical UAVs which include Scan Eagle and LUNA NG unmanned aircraft systems. In addition, there are plans to augment the naval aviation fleet with modern LRMPs, modern multi-mission helicopters and UCAVs.
Missile development for PN
CNS: Pakistan has made substantial progress in the development of missile capabilities and associated technological advancements. National R&D organisations have developed modern anti-ship missiles and LAMs for PN and thus reduced our reliance on foreign suppliers. These weapon systems have significantly enhanced our war fighting capability.
MILGEM-class corvettes
CNS: PN has recently signed a contract for four MILGEM-class corvettes from Turkey which is a huge success. We have selected these platforms as they are state-of-the-art vessels, capable to perform ASW, ASuW and AAW roles effectively. They will be fitted with the last weapons and sensors including indigenously developed missile systems.
Submarine fleet
CNS: Agosta submarines have served PN with distinction since their induction. As technology is changing rapidly, these submarines are also undergoing mid-life upgradation to meet future challenges. In parallel, PN has concluded a contract to procure eight Hangor-class submarines from China, which is critical for our maritime defence. PN is cognisant of its responsibilities and through modernisation of existing submarines and procurement of new submarines, we will significantly augment deterrence and ensure stability in the region.
Damen OPVs
CNS: PN has concluded a contract for acquisition of two OPVs last year. Both vessels will be constructed at Damen Shipyard Galati, Romania under the Bureau Veritas-class certification. OPV-I and II are planned to be inducted in the near future. They will be equipped with indigenously developed SSMs besides close-in weapon system, anti-aircraft guns and a modern EW suite. These OPVs will be employed for maritime security operations to contribute towards regional maritime security.
Exercise Aman
CNS: The next Aman series of exercise is planned in February 2019.
