Fast Attack Missile Craft 'Quwwat' launched, KSEW not taken over by Navy: Admiral Shahid

Pakistan Navy on Monday achieved yet another milestone in the indigenous construction of naval platforms and has made a quantum leap towards self-reliance to making missile crafts by utilising indigenous resources. This was stated by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Shahid Karimullah while addressing the launching ceremony of fast attack missile craft "Quwwat" at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) here on Monday.
Admiral Karimullah said protection of our maritime interests for a sustained economic growth entails to have a strong and balanced navy.
The successful completion and launching of the missile craft is an important step in this direction and will help strengthen our seaward defence due to the availability of additional combat platforms, he said.
The Naval Chief said the transfer of technology inherent in the construction of missile craft has not only given boost to the construction and maintenance aptitude of our personnel but at the same time it has furthered the national cause of indigenisation and self-reliance, which is now our abiding policy.
On the occasion, the Naval Chief gave a grant of Rs500,000 for the welfare of Karachi shipyard workers in appreciation of their dedicated efforts, technical expertise and professionalism to meeting all the challenging targets set for them.
He thanked M/s Marsun of Thailand for their valuable contribution which has been an important factor in this landmark achievement.
He highlighted the strategic importance of the KSEW in maritime defence of our country.
He said Pakistan Navy has not taken over the KSEW. However, extensive studies have been undertaken by the navy to revive the KSEW.
He said the worked out proposals will be presented to the Prime Minister for subsequent strategy for this organisation.
Talking to newsmen after the inauguration, the Naval Chief said Pakistan Navy commenced the construction of missile craft about seven years ago. The craft built earlier needed improvement in speed and weaponry.
He hoped that this would not only strengthen Pakistan Navy but also add a new dimension to the country's defence production.
He informed that the Pakistan Navy has achieved self-reliance in building submarines and missile crafts and is moving ahead to construct F 22 frigates in collaboration with China in future.
Earlier, in his welcome address the KSEW managing-director shed light on technical aspects of the missile craft.
He said the construction of crafts "Jurrat" and "Quwwat" have added a new dimension to the capabilities of the KSEW.
He informed that the craft is 38 meter long and fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors including electronic warfare systems and fire control radar and would have speed in excess of 30 knots with displacement of 250 tons.
The vessel's steel main hull and aluminium alloy superstructure have been built in a non-conventional manner adopting upside-down construction methodology.
He said the construction of fast attack missile craft has not only provided Karachi shipyard with much needed financial support but will also go a long way in further boosting technical expertise of the yard.
Later, the Chief of the Naval Staff formally launched the missile craft.