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Pakistan launches second Babur-class frigate
Pakistan launches second Babur-class frigate
Pakistan launches second Babur-class frigate
INDUSTRY WATCH | 2 JUNE 2022
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Pakistan launched the second Babur-class frigate destined for the Pakistan Navy (PN) on 20 May, as the first of two vessels being constructed by Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW).
With its keel laid earlier on 25 October 2020, this 2,985t vessel bearing pennant number ‘F281’ will be eventually christened PNS Badr.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the ceremony as did the PN’s Chief of Naval Staff, Adm Amjad Khan Niazi. The latter said the new warship would help protect Pakistan’s sea trade routes and EEZ.
Turkish Minister of Defence Hulusi Akar said at the launch ceremony: ‘The MILGEM-class corvettes will be one of the most technologically advanced surface platforms in the Pakistan Navy.
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 Babur Class | The second Babur-class frigate is launched in Karachi. It will be named PNS Badr once commissioned. (Turkish MND) |
‘Equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and advanced sensors, including surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine weapons and advanced command-and-control systems, these ships will make a significant contribution to the Pakistan Navy’s capabilities.’
The PN is awaiting four 108.2m-long Babur-class frigates, these based on the Turkish Ada-class/MILGEM design. ASFAT is the main contractor for this programme, with Turkey building two warships and KSEW the other two.
Pakistan and Turkey signed this approximately $1.5 billion contract in July 2018, the agreement providing for design and technology transfer to Pakistan. All four frigates are to be completed by 2025.
Its armaments include a Leonardo 76mm Super Rapid naval gun, and a 2x6-cell GWS-26 vertical launch system that accommodates CAMM-ER surface-to-air missiles (SAM). The MILGEM’s limited below-deck space limitations forced the PN to change from Chinese HQ-16 SAMs to the more compact CAMM-ER.
It also carries two triple-cell launchers for Harbah anti-ship missiles, an Aselsan Gokdeniz dual 35mm CIWS, two Aselsan STOP 25mm RWS and two Mk 32 triple launchers for lightweight torpedoes.
Its sensors include a Yakamos hull-mounted sonar, Hizir torpedo jamming/decoy system, AESA 3D radar, Alper low-probability of intercept surface radar, Akrep AKR-D fire control radar, Ares-2NC ESM system, SeaEye Ahtapot EO/IR system and Piri IRST system.
All functions are controlled by Havelsan’s Genesis Advent combat management system.
A stern flight deck and hangar can fit a 10t-class helicopter. The Babur class has a 4,000nm range and top speed of 26+kt via two diesels and a General Electric LM2500 gas turbine. Its crew amounts to 142 personnel.
The first-of-class is due to be delivered by Turkey later this year or in early 2023.
By: Gordon Arthur / Christchurch
Article | Shephard Media
