KARACHI, November 5, 2025 — Pakistan-based Defence Insider reported that the Pakistan Navy has officially announced the signing of a contract with Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) for the construction of the lead ship of the Jinnah class frigates, based on Türkiye’s ASFAT AS3400 design. This project marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s naval modernization and self reliance under the country’s expanding defence industrial base.
The development builds upon the strong foundation of collaboration between the Pakistan Navy, ASFAT, and Karachi Shipyard first established during the PN MİLGEM program. That initiative saw the delivery of four advanced corvettes modeled on Türkiye’s Ada class design, featuring major customizations to meet Pakistan’s maritime needs.
Under the PN MİLGEM framework, ASFAT constructed the first and third vessels PNS Babur (F280) and PNS Khaibar (F282) while Karachi Shipyard took charge of PNS Badr (F281) and PNS Tariq (F283). However, with the Jinnah-class project, the partnership has reached a new level elevating cooperation from licensed production to a joint design and full local construction model managed entirely by Karachi Shipyard.
Jinnah-Class: A Leap in Indigenous Naval Power
The Jinnah-class frigates, derived from ASFAT’s AS3400 design, will have a displacement of approximately 3,300 tonnes, slightly exceeding the PN MİLGEM’s 3,000 tonnes. This enhanced weight allows for greater weapons capacity, improved endurance, and superior onboard systems integration giving Pakistan’s Navy a distinct operational edge in the Arabian Sea and beyond.
Unlike the PN MİLGEM’s Combined Diesel and Gas Turbine (CODAG) propulsion, the Jinnah class will employ a Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) configuration. This shift emphasizes fuel efficiency, simplified maintenance, and increased endurance, offering the vessel extended deployment range and improved sustainability during prolonged missions.
Enhanced Armament and Combat Systems
While final armament configurations may evolve as production progresses, the current design indicates a powerful and well-balanced weapons suite. The frigate will feature:
- 24 (4×6) Vertical Launch Cells (VLS) for CAMM ER medium range air defense missiles with a 45 km engagement range.
- Eight anti-ship missiles, ensuring robust sea-control capabilities.
- A 76mm naval main gun, complemented by GÖKDENİZ 35mm Close In Weapon System (CIWS) for point defense.
- Multiple Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS) for short-range threats.
This sophisticated weapons layout underscores Pakistan’s growing emphasis on multi-role capabilities, combining anti-air, anti-surface, and limited anti-submarine warfare proficiencies.
A Symbol of Strategic Partnership and Self-Reliance
The Jinnah-class program reflects Pakistan’s evolving defence doctrine — one that values strategic autonomy and technological self sufficiency, while maintaining robust international partnerships. By transitioning from licensed builds to joint design and indigenous construction, Pakistan aims to develop not only its naval capabilities but also its domestic shipbuilding expertise.
The move also highlights the continued strength of Pakistan Türkiye defence cooperation, which has expanded across sectors including aerospace, electronics, and maritime technologies.
With the Jinnah class frigate initiative now underway, Pakistan’s naval modernization under Forces Goal 2030 is entering a transformative phase one defined by advanced indigenous production, regional deterrence, and a forward-leaning maritime strategy that enhances Pakistan’s security footprint in the Indian Ocean Region.
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