Why is it in news?
- China is building the first of four “most advanced” naval warships for Pakistan as part of a major bilateral arms deal to ensure among other things “balance of power” in the strategic Indian Ocean.
More in news
“most advanced” naval warships (Type 054AP):
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It will be equipped with modern detection and weapon systems.
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It will be capable of anti-ship, anti-submarine and air-defence operations.
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The under-construction ship is a version of the Chinese Navy’s most advanced guided missile frigate.
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The ship’s class is Type 054AP, which means it is based on the Type 054A of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.
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Ship has a fully loaded displacement of about 4,000 metric tonnes and is equipped with advanced radars and missiles.
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About 30 Type 054As are in service with the PLA Navy.
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It is being constructed at its Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai.
all-weather ally:
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China, an “all-weather ally” of Islamabad, is the largest supplier of weapon system to Pakistan.
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Both countries also jointly manufacturing the JF-Thunder, a single engine multi-role combat aircraft.
Balance of power:
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Once constructed, the warship will be one of the largest and technologically advanced platforms of the Pakistani Navy.
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It will strengthen the country’s capability to respond to future challenges, maintain peace and stability and the balance of power in the Indian Ocean region.
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It will also support the Pakistani Navy’s initiative of securing sea lanes for international shipping by patrolling distant waters.
Source
The Hindu