PAKISTAN’S NEWLY COMMISSIONED FRIGATE VISITS TURKEY

ANKARA, 21 April 2011: Pakistan Navy’s Frigate PNS ALAMGIR (FFG-260) is visiting Golcuk Naval Base, Turkey on 21 April and departing on 24 April 2011. PNS ALAMGIR, an Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate, was commissioned in Pakistan Navy on 31 August 2010 at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, USA. PNS ALAMGIR will go a long way in enhancing Pakistan’s capability to provide maritime security in North Arabian and adjoining seas. Presently, the ship is on passage to Pakistan from United States and is scheduled to visit various ports of the friendly countries.

The ship will stay at the Naval Base for another three days and shall carry out a number of harbour and sea exercises with the Turkish Navy. Navies of the two brotherly countries have a history to organize such visits and exercises on a regular basis. Earlier in March, a Turkish Navy contingent also took part in AMAN-2011 Naval Exercise held in Karachi, Pakistan.

Pakistan Navy is actively involved in maintaining peace and stability in the region - from Gulf of Aden to Gulf of Oman including North Arabian Sea. Pakistan Navy ships are vigorously operating and participating in all peace keeping missions. In support of UN Resolutions, Pakistan, alongwith other regional and extra regional Navies  is helping to deal with the menace of pirates in the Gulf of Aden and along the Somali coast. Continuous presence of Pakistani ships in the busiest sea lanes has helped the continuous flow of shipping and uninterrupted economical activities. These sea routes connect the oil rich Middle Eastern states to industrialized Western world.

In support of Pakistan Government policies against piracy and maritime terrorism, this ship will mainly be deployed for coalition patrols and anti piracy operations. Ship is suitably equipped for conducting Maritime Security Operations, which has become the primary task of navies in many parts of the world.  With its weapons and sensors, the ship will not only be most suitable platform for any kind of benign role, but will also enhance the defensive capability of Pakistan against any aggression.

PNS ALAMGIR is 453 feet in length and displaces 4100 tons. It is propelled by two gas turbines engines and can do sustained speeds of 30 knots plus. It is well equipped for Anti-Submarine Warfare. Its 76 mm fully automatic gun is capable of shooting both air and surface targets. It can carry 2 helicopters for multiple tasks. Its large radius of action makes it a very suitable platform for sustained maritime operations away from home port.