KARACHI: A view of the maritime patrol aircraft and UAVs inducted into Pakistan Navy’s fleet during a ceremony at the PNS Mehran on Saturday.—INP
KARACHI: A view of the maritime patrol aircraft and UAVs inducted into Pakistan Navy’s fleet during a ceremony at the PNS Mehran on Saturday.—INP

KARACHI: The induction of the marinised ATR aircraft equipped with weapons and sensors would substantially enhance the operational capabilities of the Pakistan Navy fleet’s air arm.

This was stated by Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, while addressing a ceremony held on Saturday for the induction of the state-of-the-art maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) and tactical unma­nned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into the Pakistan Navy fleet.

Admiral Abbasi, who graced the occasion as chief guest, highlighted Pakistan Navy’s role in safeguarding the maritime frontiers and ensuring safety of sea lines of communication.

He said that induction of another ATR into the cargo/para-drop role would provide added flexibility to the special forces’ operations.

The chief guest said that induction of LUNA NG UAVs into the fleet’s air arm would augment Pakistan Navy’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in maritime domain, especially in creek areas and along the coastal belt.

He urged the crew of the newly-inducted ATRs and UAVs to make optimum use of these platforms in order to contribute effectively to the combat potential of the PN’s fleet.

While appreciating the detection of the Indian submarine by the PN aircraft in the post-Pulwama standoff, the admiral said he was glad that the PN’s aviation fleet had proved its mastery and made the nation proud. He advised the aviators to keep the same spirit and be prepared for any eventuality that may arise anytime.

He said Pakistan Navy’s developmental plans inclu­ded the acquisition of unmanned combat aerial vehicles in support of maritime operations.

The ceremony was att­ended by high-ranking officials, serving and retired avi­ators of the Pakistan Navy and sister services and representatives of the governm­ent departments concerned.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2020

Opinion

Editorial

Smog hazard
Updated 05 Nov, 2024

Smog hazard

The catastrophe unfolding in Lahore is a product of authorities’ repeated failure to recognise environmental impact of rapid urbanisation.
Monetary policy
05 Nov, 2024

Monetary policy

IN an aggressive move, the State Bank on Monday reduced its key policy rate by a hefty 250bps to 15pc. This is the...
Cultural power
05 Nov, 2024

Cultural power

AS vital modes of communication, art and culture have the power to overcome social and international barriers....
Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.