Pakistan assumes command of Combined Task Force 151

Pakistan Navy Cdre. Abdul Aleem assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 from Turkish Navy Rear Adm. Sinan Ertugrul during a ceremony held aboard HMS Cornwall while in port Fujairah, UAE Nov. 29.

CTF 151 is a multinational task force established in Jan. 2009 to conduct counterpiracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin.

"Pakistan has been a valued partner in Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) for many years now," said Cdre. Tim Fraser, deputy commander, CMF. "They've had a major impact on maritime security operations in the region, having commanded CTF 150 four times and will now use those skills countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin in CTF 151."

As CTF 151 commander, Ertugrul led ships from Australia, Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, the U.K. and U.S. The command staff included personnel from Bahrain, Canada, Turkey, the U.K. and U.S.

Turkey's period of command included the retaking of the M/V Magellan Star from pirate control; a the rescue of refugees in the Gulf of Aden and the first involvement of Royal Thai Navy ships in CTF 151.

"Given the importance of this region to international trade and the world economy, it could be argued that the problem of piracy has the potential to affect every individual on the planet," said Ertugrul, reflecting on his three months in command. Consequently, during my period of command it has been clear to me that international cooperation must underpin everything we do.

Ertugrul stressed the constant awareness joint Naval forces must have to continue to be successful in their counterpiracy mission.

"Those who seek to commit piracy at sea have shown themselves to be resourceful and flexible, modifying their behavior as we frustrate their tactics," he said. "Naval forces must therefore remain astute and adaptable. However, the pirates should know this -- we are here to stay as long as is necessary."

Services Chiefs Call on PM & President

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Khalid Shamim Wyne, Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Noman Bashir and Acting Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal, Tahir Rafique Butt called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the Prime Minister’s House and President Asif Ali Zardari at the President’s House in Islamabad and exchanged Eid greetings with them.

JF-17 has bright prospects in aviation market: Air Chief

Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), said on Tuesday that Pakistan-China joint production JF-17 Thunder fighter jet has bright prospects in the international aviation market. It has many added features which make it much more attractive than any other fighter aircraft of its category, said the Air Chief. A low price tag and much less maintenance and operational cost compared to the other planes of its class make it attractive for the buyers, he said.

The PAF Chief said this while talking to the media after attending the 8th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition that would continue here at China’s southern coastal city neighboring Macau, till November 21. During the six-day exhibition, 35 countries and regions are participating.

Chinese Vice Premier, Zhang Dejiang was the Chief Guest at the show. Former Prime Minister Li Peng and PLA Air Chief and senior party leaders were also present on this occasion.

Pakistan, having the second biggest fleet of aircraft after host China, is participating for the first time in this exhibition. As many as ten K-8 trainer aircraft and three JF-17 fighters are taking part in the show that demonstrates the all-weather and time-tested friendship between the two countries.

While talking about the plane, the Chief of Air Staff commented that it has all state-of-the-art features. He particularly mentioned its supreme avionics essential for a modern combat aircraft.

There is likely to be big demand of this type of aircraft in the international market, as it meets all the requirements that are needed by a modern air force, at a very affordable price, he said.

To a question regarding further expansion of cooperation between Pakistan Air Force and China, Rao Qamar Suleman replied that the two brotherly neighboring countries have a long history of cooperation in all fields particularly defence. He expressed the confidence that with the passage of time these bonds of friendsip would further consolidate.

Talking to APP on this occasion, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Masood Khan said this air show has epitomized Pakistan-China relations. “Today is a great day for both Pakistan and China”, he said. JF-17’s demonstration was spectacular as well as professional, he added.

Three JF-17 fighter planes are participating in this air show. One of these has been put on display for general public as well as for prospective buyers while others are performing aerobatics.

Another manifestation of this friendship was that immediately after the-state-of-art J-10 aerobatics by PLA Air Force, PAF pilots were invited to demonstrate their aerobatic skills on the JF-17 Thunder.

As the single-seat, fighter plane appeared for the first time in the Chinese skies, the pilot stunned thousands of spectators with a spectacular show of aerobatics that lasted for nearly ten minutes.

Another attraction of the day was the formation aerobatic show by PAF Sherdils, on China made K-8 trainer aircraft, which also mesmerized the audience.

Replying to a question, the Sherdil pilots regarded K-8 planes as stable, fuel efficient and fitted with best performing turbo engine.

With an exhibition area approaching 23,000 square meters, the show has attracted about 600 exhibitors and is showcasing nearly 70 commercial and military aircraft of different models.

To mark the importance of this event, the Air Force of People’s Liberation Army of China also put on display a series of aircraft which participated in the 60th National Day Parade on October 1, 2009.

PNS Saif inducted in Pakistan Navy fleet

PNS Saif, the F-22P Frigate constructed at Hudong Zhonghua, was inducted in Pakistan Navy Fleet on Thursday. An impressive induction ceremony was held at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard here. The Commander of Pakistan Fleet, Vice-Admiral Tanveer Faiz, was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the induction ceremony of PNSA Saif culminates the chinese component of this strategic project of bilateral defence cooperation between Pakistan and china. Admiral Faiz said that the Pakistan Navy Fleet is further strengthened today with the addition of PNS Saif- the third ship of the F-22P class. He pointed out that the defence cooperation between the time tested friends is aimed at improving regional peace, security and stability. Admiral Faiz also made it clear that Pakistan does not want to engage in arms race with any country and that Pakistan Navy's development plans are purely aimed at meeting the legitimate need for the defence of the country. About the F-22P project- the indigenous capability of frigate construction, he said that this is particularly important for Pakistan as we have to meet our phenomenal defence needs within limited economic means. Admiral Faiz also thanked the Chinese friends who have provided necessary expertise as well as transfer of technology to materialize the indigenous component of this project. He said that Pakistan is a peace loving country and believes in promotion of peace and stability for which freedom of navigation on high seas and uninterrupted flow of trade is an essential requirement. Admiral Faiz said that Pakistan Navy is continuously participating in Coalition Maritime Campaign as well as anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. Commodore Iqbal Javed, Commander destroyer Squadron, presented the welcome address. PNS Saif, the third ship of the F-22P series, had been delivered to Pakistan Navy in September this year. A contract was signed in 2005 with China for four ships of F-22P type. As part of the contract, three ships were to be constructed in China and one in Pakistan with the assistance of Chinese shipyard. PNS Saif is the third ship constructed in China. The fourth one is under construction at the Karachi Shipyard and would be completed in a couple of years. For the construction of this ship, a lot of upgradation and modifications were carried out at the Karachi Shipyard. These are very capable ships and because of these there has been a boost to the defence capabilities of Pakistan Navy.

PAF JF-17 and K-8 Aircraft to Take Part in China Air Show

A PAF contingent, comprising JF-17 Thunder fighter aircrafts and the Sherdil formation aerobatics team, departed for China to participate in the forthcoming 8th International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition at Zhuhai from November 16 to 21.

The PAF Sherdil aerobatics team comprising nine K-8 aircrafts would perform aerial display during the air show. This is for the first time that PAF Sherdil formation aerobatic team would perform in any international event of this nature.

Three indigenously manufactured JF-17 Thunder fighter aircrafts would also be on aerial/static display at the exhibition. World famous exhibitors like Boeing, Airbus, Honeywell, Rolls-Royce etc will also be participating in the exhibition.

Red Eagles aerobatic team from USA and ASB aerobatic team from UK have also confirmed their participation in the exhibition.

Change of guard ceremony held at Mazare-e-Iqbal

In order to pay homage to national poet and great philosopher Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, change of guard ceremony was held by Pakistan Navy at Mazar-e-Iqbal in a befitting manner. Pakistan Navy contingent assumed Guard duties at the mazar of Allama Iqbal here at an impressive ceremony.The ceremony started at 0730 AM, when the Pakistan Navy contingent formed up outside the mazar. The contingent of Pakistan Rangers, which performs guard duties at the mazar of Allama Iqbal round the year, also took positions alongside, soon after, both the outgoing and incoming guards were inspected by Lt Cdr Kamran Ahmad TI (M), Station Commander (Navy) Lahore.

Then started the guard changing ceremony. Marching to the tunes played by the Pakistan Navy band, the Naval contingent moved to take positions at the four corners of the mazar. Simultaneously, Rangers were ceremoniously moved out by their Officer Incharge.

The Naval contingent, which took over the guard duties today, belonged to the Navy’s Islamabad based establishment PNS ZAFAR.

The ceremonial guard mounting followed floral wreath laying at the mazar of Allama Iqbal by Rear Admiral Syed Bashir Ahmed SI(M), Commander Central Punjab, on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, officers and men of the Pakistan Navy. Later on Commander Central Punjab offered Fateh.

Both the ceremonies were witnessed by a large number of senior civil officials, school children and general public which thronged the mazar to pay homage to the great philosopher and poet of the east on the eve of his birth anniversary.

Pakistan to take command of Task Force-151 in December

The Pakistan Navy, will takeover the command of Combined Task Force-151 from December 01, as this is the first time Pakistan will lead the international maritime coalition force which has been operating in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia coast against piracy in international seas.
Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice-Admiral Taveer Faiz said this on Monday while briefing newsmen on arrival here at the PN the Dockyard of third F-22P frigate PNS Saif from Shanghai, China.
The new F-22P ship, the third in the series built for Pakistan Navy in the Shanghai shipyard, will be formally inducted in the Pakistan Navy fleet in a ceremony on November 11. The last and fourth F-22P ship is currently being built at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) under a transfer of technology agreement from China. The fourth F-22P ship will be ready by 2013. For the construction of this frigate, special modifications were made in KSEW for making the shipyard capable of building warships.
Pakistan signed a contract with China for four F-22P ships in 2005, among which the last one would be built in Pakistan. The first F-22P frigate of the series, PNS Zulfiqar, was handed over to Pakistan Navy in July 2009.
The PN fleet commander said that previously Pakistan Navy had commanded the Combined Task Force-150 active in Northern Arabian Sea against multiple maritime threats including terrorism, piracy, human, and contraband smuggling.
He said that at a time one ship and one helicopter of Pakistan Navy were taking part in each of the combined maritime task force 150 and 151, which comprises several regional and international navies.
During its participation in the in the two coalition forces, the Pakistan Navy acquired knowledge about procedures and operations of modern and bigger naval forces. Moreover, he said that with operations of CTF-150, the maritime region bordering Pakistan, especially Strait of Hormuz had been rendered safe for international sea trade especially for oil shipments. Otherwise, it would be difficult for Pakistan alone to safeguard the whole strategically important maritime area.
The navies of Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Thailand, the UK, the USA, Australia, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, take part in CTF-150 in the Northern Arabian Sea. Vice-Admiral Faiz said that induction of modern naval platforms like F-22P had greatly enhanced maritime defence capabilities of Pakistan against major sea threats faced by the country.
Replying to a question regarding naval capabilities of India, the PN fleet commander said that ìwe are not into any arms race with any country.î Efforts have always made to enhance naval weapon and aviation capabilities so that Pakistan Navy can put up a capable and honourable defence of the countryís maritime frontiers, he added.
He said that with induction of F-22P ships, Pakistan has found an economical and affordable solution to upgrade and modernise its defence capabilities. This had to be done as the maritime region adjacent to the country has a crucial sea route, which carries around 66 per cent oil and energy supplies of the world.
Commanding Officer, PNS Saif, Captain Muhammad Zubair Shafique, said the F-22P is a state-of-the-art sword class ship equipped with long range surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, depth charges, torpedoes, latest automatic 76 mm guns, close-in-weapon system, electronic warfare and advanced control system.
The Chinese frigate has advance anti-submarine warfare capability with state-of-the-art SONAR that can detect submarines at long ranges. The ship anti-submarine capabilities are enhanced as it carries Z9EC helicopter especially built for the purpose. Captain Shafique said the PNS Saif, the new F-22P frigate, had arrived at PN Dockyard from Shanghai China after visiting ports of Brunei, Jakarta, Bangkok, Maldives, as goodwill maritime gestures.
Meanwhile, about the Gwadar Port deal, the naval fleet commander said the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir in his capacity of federal governmentís adviser on maritime affairs, had advised the government to revisit the agreement, it had singed with Port of Singapore Authority for operations and development of infrastructure at Gwadar port.

PNS Saif arrives at Karachi Port

The third F-22p Frigate "PNS Saif" has arrived at the Karachi Port. It was delivered to Pakistan Navy in September this year.

The Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice-Admiral Tanveer Faiz, said that contract was signed in 2005 with China for four ships of F-22P type. As part of the contract, three ships were to be constructed in China and one in Pakistan with the assistance of Chinese shipyard.

Admiral Faiz said that PNS Saif is the third ship constructed in China. He stated that fourth one is under construction at the Karachi Shipyard and would be completed in couple of years. For the construction of this ship, a lot of upgradation and modifications were carried out at the Karachi Shipyard. These are very capable ships and that because of these there has been a boost to the defence capabilities of Pakistan Navy. He was of the view that the price of these ships was also affordable.

F-22P Frigate is state of the art ship which has been specially designed to meet Pakistan Navy's requirement in multi-threat environment. PNS Zulfiquar was the first of the series of four ships. The ship arrived in Pakistan in September 2009 and formally inducted in Pakistan Navy Fleet. The second ship PNS Shamsheer reached Pakistan in January 2010 and formally inducted in PN Fleet in February 2010. Since their induction, both the ships are undertaking the assigned tasks successfully. They have also participated in various Naval exercises and proved their worthiness and significance for Pakistan Navy.

Pak-US divers recover valuable Pak Navy asset from seabed

A joint team of Pakistan Navy and United States Navy divers have successfully recovered a valuable piece of naval equipment from the Arabian Sea 25 miles from the coast of Pakistan. A search mounted by the Pakistan Navy located the equipment lying on the seafloor at a depth of approximately 190-200 feet. This depth presented a technical challenge, and that was when the Pakistan Navy decided to partner with the US Navy for a combined recovery effort. The Office of the Defence Representative to Pakistan (ODRP) at the US Embassy in Islamabad coordinated the joint mission.

“One of our key missions is providing support to the military forces of Pakistan,” said US Navy Vice Admiral Michael LeFever, the commander of the Office of the Defence Representative to Pakistan. “Therefore, when the request for assistance came in, we moved swiftly to assist where we could.”

“This team effort has resulted in the successful return of a valuable Pakistan Navy asset,” said Pakistan Navy Commodore Mukthar Khan, Commander of the Pakistan Navy Auxiliary and Mine Squadron. “The swift mission planning and excellent coordination between our two dive teams was a good example of how partner forces should work.”

With a successful recovery mission behind them, the Pakistani and American divers teams spent several additional days conducting joint training to further enhance their diving skills and the coordination of diving techniques between the respective countries.