According to information published by the Pakistani MoD on May 10, 2023, the commissioning ceremony of Pakistan Navy's two newly built Type 054 A/P Frigates, PNS Tippu Sultan and PNS Shahjahan, took place in Shanghai, China.
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Commissioning ceremony of the two Tughril class frigates. (Picture source: Pakistani MoD)
With a displacement of 4,200 tons (4,100 long tons), she possesses impressive capabilities and features. The vessel stretches 134 meters (439 ft 8 in) in length and has a beam of 16 meters (52 ft 6 in), providing ample space for its systems and crew.
Powered by a CODAD propulsion system, the Tughril class is equipped with four Shaanxi Shaanxi 16 PA6 STC diesel engines, each generating 5700 kW of power.
This configuration enables the frigate to achieve a maximum speed of 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph) and an impressive range of 8,025 nautical miles (14,862 km; 9,235 mi). Such capabilities ensure extended operational endurance and flexibility.
The vessel has a complement of 165 personnel who operate its advanced sensors, processing systems, and weaponry. In terms of radar systems, the Tughril class is equipped with a diverse array of sensors, including the SR2410C AESA radar, Type 517 (SUR17B) VHF air-search radar, Type 344 fire-control radar (for surface-to-surface missiles), four MR-90 Front Dome radars (for surface-to-air missiles), MR-36A surface-surveillance radar, Type 347G fire-control radar (for the H/PJ-26 naval gun), and two Racal RM-1290 I Band navigation radars. These radar systems provide comprehensive situational awareness and targeting capabilities.
For underwater detection, the Tughril class utilizes the MGK-335 medium frequency active/passive sonar system and the H/SJG-206 towed array sonar. These sonar systems enable the frigate to detect and track submarines effectively, enhancing her anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
vIn terms of communication systems, the Tughril class features the ZKJ-5 combat data system, which is a development based on the Thomson-CSF TAVITAC system.
It also incorporates the HN-900 data link, equivalent to the Chinese Link 11 system, facilitating communication and data sharing with other naval assets.
The frigate is further equipped with the SNTI-240 SATCOM and AKD5000S Ku-band SATCOM systems, enabling reliable and secure long-range communications.
To counter electronic threats, the Tughril class is equipped with the Type 922-1 radar warning receiver (RWR), HZ-100 ECM/ELINT system, and Kashtan-3 missile jamming system. These systems enhance the frigate's electronic warfare capabilities, enabling it to detect and counter enemy radar and missile threats effectively.
The armament of the Tughril class is well-suited for a range of combat scenarios. In terms of anti-air warfare, she is armed with LY-80N surface-to-air missiles, capable of engaging airborne threats with precision.
For anti-surface warfare, the frigate carries four CM-302 anti-ship missiles, providing long-range strike capabilities against enemy vessels. To counter submarines, the Tughril class is equipped with two Type 87 anti-submarine rocket launchers and two Yu-7 anti-submarine torpedo launchers.
These systems enhance their capability to detect and neutralize underwater threats. Additionally, the frigate features a 76mm H/PJ-26 naval gun for engaging surface targets and two Type 1130 close-in weapon systems (CIWS) for close-range defense against airborne threats. To deceive and distract incoming enemy missiles, the Tughril class incorporates two Type 726-4 decoy launchers.
