April 21, 2007: Pakistan has ordered four more
frigates from China. There are already four on order, and the first of these
will arrive next year, and be known as the Zulfiquar class. These ships are
based on the Chinese Jiangwei II class frigates. The first of the Jiangwei II's
entered service in late 1998, followed by three more, and several more are still
under construction.
The new order is for an improved version of the
Jiangwei II (053H3) already on order. These will be called F-22P. China will
build three F22Ps, while the other will be built in Pakistan. The 342 foot long
Jiangwei II displaced 2,400 tons, but the F22P is expected to be a little
longer, and heavier, perhaps as much as 3,000 tons. The F22P will probably
carry anti-ship missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, a 100mm gun, anti-submarine
weapons and a helicopter. Crew will be about 180 sailors, and each ship will
cost about close to $200 million. The new American LCS weighs about the same,
but has only a third as many sailors in the crew, lots more automation and
costs $250 million. All eight of these frigates are to be delivered within six
years.
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