KARACHI: Pakistan Navy has inducted its first upgraded ATR aircraft and two Sea King helicopters in its fleet to augment effectiveness and enhance its operational capability.
An induction ceremony was held at PNS MEHRAN in Karachi on Wednesday with Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbassi as the chief guest.
The ATR aircraft’s widely operated turboprop platform has been retrofitted with state of the art weapons and sensors, which will substantially enhance Fleet Air Arm’s operational capability commensurate with contemporary maritime warfare requirements.
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Similarly, two Mk 3A/ Mk 4 Sea King helicopters acquired from the UK into its existing fleet of Sea King helicopters will further enhance PN fleet’s operational capability particularly to troops transfer.
Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi said Pakistan Navy was confronted with emerging challenges of deterring terrorism at sea, curbing piracy in the region and carrying out maritime security operations.
He emphasised that we should also be cognizant of threats posed by hybrid warfare and cyber crime.
The naval chief said that induction of training simulator would provide us great capability to train our aircrew with full degree of freedom to achieve unflinching and highest standard of professionalism.
