Pakistan has launched a locally designed gunboat equipped with long-range, semi-automatic weaponry to strengthen its maritime operational capabilities, the Navy announced on Wednesday.
Named PNS SAHIWAL, the vessel has been indigenously designed by the Pakistan Navy’s Platform Design Wing (PDW) and is currently under construction at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW).
The launching ceremony took place at KS&EW, attended by senior naval officials including Vice Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami.
“This state-of-the-art vessel will be equipped with high-performance, long-range semi-automatic guns, enhancing its operational effectiveness in maritime missions,” the Navy said in its statement.
Admiral Bilgrami noted that the gunboat will be capable of carrying out a range of maritime security operations. He commended the collaboration between PDW and KS&EW as a major step toward advancing the Navy’s indigenization agenda.
The Navy also indicated plans for further production of similar vessels. “Pakistan Navy is considering additional production of gunboats,” the statement said. “This will not only support the indigenization drive but also contribute to the growth of KS&EW.”