PNS Aslat (F254) explained

PNS Aslat (FFG-254) is a F-22P Zulfiquar-class guided missile frigate currently in active service with the Pakistan Navy since her commission in 2013.

Operational history

Aslats design, construction and the steel cutting took place in KSEW, Ltd. in Karachi, Sindh in Pakistan in 2009.^{[1] [2]} Her keel laying and launch ceremony took place on 16 June 2011 with Adm. Noman Bashir witnessing its ceremony.^{[3] [4]}

On 18 April 2013, Aslat was commissioned into the military service of the Pakistan Navy and was presented with her colors by Adm. Asif Sandila.^[5] With the commissioning of the Aslat, the project of building the Zulfiquar-class guided missile frigates concluded the $750 million technology transfer contract with China.^[6] The second warship has the namesake of Aslat, which is a type of Arab sword used by Arab warriors in the Early Islamic conquests.^[7]

PNS Aslat was deployed in the Red sea because of the attacks made on international ships and vessels by the Houthi Rebels of Yemen Starting from late 2023, following the Isarel - Hamas war.^{[8] [9]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: Commissioning of 4th F22P Ship – PNS ASLAT . www.karachishipyard.com.pk.
2. News: Fourth F-22P frigate of Pakistan Navy launched . 18 November 2019 . www.thenews.com.pk . The News International . 17 July 2011 . en.
3. Web site: Launching Ceremony – F22P Frigate . www.karachishipyard.com.pk . 18 November 2019.
4. News: Newspaper . the . First indigenously built F-22P frigate . DAWN.COM . 16 June 2011 . en.
5. News: Newspaper . the . F-22P frigate inducted into PN fleet . DAWN.COM . 18 April 2013 . en.
6. Web site: Pakistan commissions last Zulfiquar frigate . www.spacewar.com . 18 November 2019.
7. Web site: PNS ASLAT holds Reception at Jeddah Islamic Port . pid.gov.pk . Islamabad . English . February 21, 2018.
8. News: Pakistan deploys warships in Arabian Sea following recent Houthi attacks.
9. News: Pakistan deploys warships in Arabian Sea following 'maritime incidents'.